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UK Grassroots Music Venues Face Existential Threat, New report Reveals
Table of Contents
- 1. UK Grassroots Music Venues Face Existential Threat, New report Reveals
- 2. Venue Closures and financial Strain
- 3. New Initiatives to Support the Live Music Sector
- 4. SHERELLE’s debut Album and the Broader Musical Landscape
- 5. How does Sherelle’s £10 UK tour help support grassroots music venues?
- 6. Sherelle’s £10 UK Tour: A Lifeline for Grassroots Music Venues
- 7. The Crisis Facing UK Music Venues
- 8. SHERELLE and Save Our Scene: A Powerful Collaboration
- 9. Tour Dates & Accessing Tickets
- 10. Why This Matters: The Ripple Effect of Venue Support
- 11. Beyond the £10 Ticket: how You Can Help
the United Kingdom’s vibrant ecosystem of small, self-reliant music venues is teetering on the brink, according to a recent report. The findings paint a grim picture of escalating financial pressures adn dwindling support systems, threatening the future of live music experiences across the nation.
Venue Closures and financial Strain
A comprehensive analysis released last week detailed the closure of 30 grassroots live music spaces between July 2024 and July 2025. Additionally, a further 48 venues ceased operating as dedicated gig locations. The report highlighted that over half – 53.8 percent – of all grassroots venues reported operating at a loss in the past year, contributing to a staggering 19 percent reduction in employment, equating to over 6,000 jobs lost within the sector.
Mark Davyd, Chief Executive Officer of the Music Venue Trust (MVT), issued a stark warning: “We have reached the absolute limit of what goodwill can possibly absorb.” He emphasized that venues have been burdened with challenges beyond their control, including increasing operational costs, complex and shifting regulations, political uncertainty, and a perceived lack of support from the wider industry.
New Initiatives to Support the Live Music Sector
In response to the crisis, a collaborative effort known as the Liveline scheme has been launched. This initiative,spearheaded by Save Our Scene and the Association Of Independent Promoters,aims to alleviate the touring crisis by mitigating financial risks for venues,promoters,and artists. The scheme will focus on covering venue expenses, reducing promoter liabilities, and guaranteeing artist fees to facilitate a more enduring touring network, especially in regions currently underserved by professional live music events.
This comes as Independent Venue Week 2026 commenced on Monday, January 26, showcasing over 700 gigs across 236 independent venues nationwide. The event emphasizes the crucial role these spaces play in nurturing emerging talent and contributing to the UK’s cultural landscape.
SHERELLE’s debut Album and the Broader Musical Landscape
The discussion surrounding venue sustainability coincides with the success of artists like SHERELLE, who recently released her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘With A Vengeance’, in April
How does Sherelle’s £10 UK tour help support grassroots music venues?
Sherelle’s £10 UK Tour: A Lifeline for Grassroots Music Venues
DJ and producer SHERELLE is embarking on a groundbreaking UK tour this spring, not just to deliver electrifying sets, but to actively support teh venues that nurture emerging talent. Partnering with Save Our Scene UK and the Music Venue Trust, the “SHERELLELAND” tour is offering tickets for just £10 – a bold move designed to increase accessibility while together injecting vital funds into the struggling grassroots music scene.
The Crisis Facing UK Music Venues
Independent music venues are the bedrock of the UK’s vibrant music ecosystem. They provide a crucial platform for up-and-coming artists, fostering creativity and community. However,these spaces are facing unprecedented challenges. Rising operating costs – including rent, utilities, and insurance – coupled with decreased audience numbers post-pandemic, have led to numerous venue closures across the country.
The Music venue Trust has been at the forefront of advocating for these spaces, highlighting the economic and cultural importance of live music. Their research consistently demonstrates the significant contribution venues make to local economies and the wider cultural landscape. Without intervention, the future of live music in the UK is at risk.
SHERELLE and Save Our Scene: A Powerful Collaboration
SHERELLE’s commitment to supporting the scene goes beyond just playing gigs. By collaborating with Save Our Scene UK, a community-led organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting grassroots venues, she’s amplifying their message and providing tangible support.
Save Our Scene focuses on raising awareness,fundraising,and advocating for policy changes that benefit venues. Their work complements the Music Venue Trust’s efforts, creating a powerful synergy for positive change.The £10 ticket initiative is a direct response to the financial pressures venues are facing, aiming to boost attendance and generate much-needed revenue.
Tour Dates & Accessing Tickets
The SHERELLELAND tour will hit several beloved grassroots venues across the UK in february and March 2026:
* February 27th: Dryad Works, Sheffield
* February 28th: Move, Exeter
* March 6th: The Crescent, York
* March 7th: Bootleg Social, Blackpool
* March 13th: [further dates to be announced]
Access to these incredibly affordable tickets is currently limited to those who sign up via the Save Our Scene website (https://sostour.carrd.co/).Sign-ups are open now, with first access to tickets going live on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026. This staggered release is designed to manage demand and ensure genuine fans have the possibility to attend.
Why This Matters: The Ripple Effect of Venue Support
Supporting grassroots venues isn’t just about preserving places to see live music; it’s about investing in the future of the music industry.
* Artist Advancement: Venues provide a crucial stepping stone for emerging artists, allowing them to hone their craft and build a fanbase.
* local Economies: Live music events generate revenue for local businesses, including bars, restaurants, and hotels.
* Community Building: Venues foster a sense of community, bringing people together thru a shared love of music.
* Cultural Diversity: Grassroots venues frequently enough champion diverse and experimental music genres, enriching the cultural landscape.
Beyond the £10 Ticket: how You Can Help
SHERELLE’s tour is a fantastic initiative, but there are other ways to support grassroots music venues:
* Attend Gigs: The most direct way to help is to buy tickets and attend shows.
* Donate to the Music Venue Trust: Financial contributions help fund their vital work. (https://musicvenuetrust.org/)
* Volunteer Your Time: Many venues rely on volunteers to help with events and operations.
* Spread the Word: Share facts about your favourite venues and upcoming shows on social media.
* Support Venue-Specific Fundraising Campaigns: many venues run their own fundraising initiatives to address specific needs.
This tour represents a powerful example of an artist using their platform to advocate for a cause they believe in. SHERELLE’s £10 ticket initiative, in partnership with Save Our Scene and the Music Venue Trust, is a beacon of hope for the future of grassroots music in the UK.
