On the evening of Tuesday 23rd January 2024, I attended the launch of the Music Venue Trust’s report which calls for a fan-led review of grassroots music. It was great to touch base with one of my constituents, Sam Duckworth, who is also one of the Project Leads for the Music Venue Trust.
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the DCMS Select Committee was also there to lend her support.
The Music Venue Trust is calling for a £1 ticket levy on all major stadium and arena gigs to go into a fund to support grassroots music venues. In their report they state that 16% of grassroots music venues have been lost in the last 12 months, which means 125 spaces have been permanently closed to live music.
Going out in the evening to watch a band play, or to hear a concert is one of life's great pleasures and I'm passionate about keeping as many local venues open in my constituency as possible.
New bands and singers need to have somewhere to perform in front of a live audience. It's a great way to nurture musical talent and to support musicians and performers of all ages, on their way up.
That is why I'm lending Sam and the Music Venue Trust my full support in their attempt to get Government intervention to prevent more small live music venues from closing their doors for good.
