Music Venue Trust

Did you know one-third of Music Venue Alliance members are now not-for-profit? That’s a massive 29% rise in just a year! Why? Because communities are stepping up, and so are we. Grassroots music venues are more than businesses; they’re cultural homes, and this shift shows just how deeply they’re valued. MVT has helped drive this change, helping venues adapt and find ways to thrive sustainably. This isn’t just survival; it’s reinvention. Check out the 2024 report which we have unveiled at Parliament and The Senedd to see how we’re reshaping the future of live music. Now available online.

We’ve taken our Annual Report to The Senedd. Last night in Cardiff we continued unpacking the 2024 report, which you can download in full at https://bit.ly/MVT2024, and were joined by politicians, policy makers, venues and key stakeholders. The night also featured a performance from The Anchoress and the Manics’ James Dean Bradfield alongside a keynote speech from Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership. The report highlights the critical challenges facing the UK’s Grassroots Music Venues (GMVs). Despite contributing over £500 million to the UK economy, these venues are grappling with a decline in live performances, narrowing touring options for artists, and a drop in audience numbers. The report urgently calls for government intervention, including a reduction in VAT on ticket sales and a review of business rates, to ensure the survival of these vital cultural hubs. Without immediate action, the future of live music and the development of new talent are at significant risk.

While some good things are moving in the right direction, our 2024 report reveals a devastating loss: the UK is losing a grassroots music venue every fortnight. This alarming trend threatens the very foundation of our music culture. It’s time for action, not words, to preserve the spaces that nurture emerging talent and enrich our communities. Read more about this critical issue via NME, and join the call for change. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Our unveiling of the report continues tonight at The Senedd in Cardiff.

From today, music fans across the UK will have their voices heard like never before. The Music Fan's Voice have launched the first ever Music Fans’ survey at https://bit.ly/4gsA9uX that puts gig-goers at the heart of the conversation, shaping the future of live music. From ticketing to venue choice, this groundbreaking survey — backed by major city leaders — gives fans real influence on the decisions that matter. Inspired by the fan-led review in football, this is a pivotal moment to ensure live music thrives for generations to come. Your voice counts — and it takes just 15 minutes to be part of the change.

From 2021 to now, MVT has poured over £7M into initiatives like: 👊 Infrastructure upgrades and venue training. 👊 Touring projects like Revive Live and United by Music. 👊 Emergency funding to save venues on the brink. 👊 Building a future with our Own Our Venues campaign. And in November 2024, we took it further. From January 2025, all funding will unite under one mission: Liveline. A single banner for all the work we do to sustain and grow grassroots music. Find out what it all means in our newly released 2024 report - stainable online now: https://bit.ly/MVT2024

Music Venue Trust is saddened by the closure of the Old Red Bus Station in Leeds. Despite the strenuous efforts of the venue team with support from MVT, the crises facing this mainstay of the Leeds music scene have unfortunately proved devastating. While there is significant progress being made to address and counter the challenges faced by UK grassroots music venues, these interventions have proved too late for the Old Red Bus Station and their venue community. It should be of concern to anyone who cares about UK live music, that until there is meaningful and ongoing support for extraordinary spaces like Old Red Bus Station then we will face repeated closures. Music Venue Trust would like to commend the levels of passion and commitment shown by the venue team, and recognise their remarkable work over 9 years.

Since July 2021, MVT has put its money where the music is, distributing over £4M to support grassroots touring. But this isn’t just cash — it’s about opportunity. It’s about connecting artists with fans, building careers, and creating electrifying live moments that remind us why music matters. This funding doesn’t just sustain the scene; it helps it grow, thrive, and evolve. From local gigs to nationwide tours, this is the lifeblood of live music. Dive into the 2024 report to see how we’re helping keep this alive for artists, venues, and fans. Available online now at https://bit.ly/MVT2024

In 2024, Music Venue Trust fought hard against inappropriate planning applications threatening grassroots music venues (GMVs) — and won 97.6% of the time. Irresponsible developments next to iconic venues lead to venue closures. That’s not right! These venues are lifelines for their communities, the pulse of culture, and the reason people flock to these areas in the first place. Venues don’t just appear overnight; they’re built on years, decades, sometimes generations of passion and hard work. We’re standing firm so that music has a home, now and forever. Explore our newly unveiled 2024 report at https://bit.ly/MVT2024 to see what we’re doing to keep music alive. This is just one glimpse.

Last week, we unveiled the 2024 Music Venue Trust report in Parliament, and have been overwhelmed by response so far. To everyone who joined us — MPs, industry leaders, venue reps, artists, and supporters — thank you for showing up and showing your passion for live music. This report is a testament to the challenges we’ve overcome, the battles we’re still fighting, and the future we’re building together. It’s not just a document; it’s a manifesto for change, and your presence proved how much grassroots music matters. We’re fired up and ready to keep pushing for a better future for venues, artists, and fans. The fight continues, but with all of you behind us, we know we can do this. If you missed it, don’t worry — the full report is now available online at https://bit.ly/MVT2024. Dive in. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for standing with live music. 📸 by Georgia Penny

We are delighted to be partnering with the Music Week Awards again this year to support the Grassroots Venue: Spirit of the Scene category. So... OVER TO YOU. You have until 6PM on Wed January 29 to submit entries at: www.musicweekawards.com.