Cardiff Council Launches Scheme to Support Grassroots Music

The scheme offers financial protection to promoters, covering potential losses on events costing up to £1,000. If ticket sales fall short of breaking even, the Council will step in to cover expenses such as venue hire, PA, and artist fees. Successful events that don’t require the full allocation of funds will reinvest unused support into future gigs, creating a cycle of sustainability for the city’s music scene.

This initiative addresses a critical challenge highlighted by the Cardiff Music Board: a sharp decline in the number of active promoters in Cardiff since the pandemic, which has strained the health of the local music ecosystem.

Council Leader and Cardiff Music Board Chair, Huw Thomas, emphasised the importance of fostering a vibrant music scene:

“For Cardiff’s music scene to thrive, we need audiences to support independent venues and promoters willing to take risks on new talent. While we can’t solve all the challenges facing the UK music industry, this scheme aims to alleviate some of the financial risks and encourage growth in the sector.”

The pilot scheme complements the Council’s earlier introduction of the Grassroots Venues Fund, which offers grants of up to £10,000 to support independent venues across the city.

How the Scheme Works

Open to both new and experienced promoters, as well as self-promoting local bands, the ALLBWN / OUTPUT scheme requires applicants to meet the following criteria:

• Events must take place in Cardiff grassroots venues or suitable spaces.
• All musicians must be paid, and performances must feature primarily original material.
• Total risk guaranteed must be less than £1,000, with break-even points below 80% of ticket sales.

Applications are open until January 31st 2025, with eligible events to be held before 2 March 2025.

The scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which concludes at the end of the financial year. Cardiff Council is exploring additional funding opportunities to ensure the programme’s continuity if the pilot proves successful.

For more information and to apply, visit https://cardiffmusiccity.wales/industry/allbwn-output

Header image credit: Dan Gold / Unsplash.com