- News
UK Government Announces Landmark Support for Grassroots Music Venues
-
By Dale Grogan
- 14 Nov 2024
- 5 min read
In a groundbreaking move to support the UK’s grassroots music industry, the government has introduced a policy mandating that each ticket sold at arena or stadium shows will include a financial contribution to support grassroots venues, promoters, and artists. The policy, announced today (14th November), aims to create a sustainable future for smaller venues and the emerging talent they nurture.
Describing the decision as “the single most significant shift in over fifty years of British music,” the Music Venue Trust (MVT) celebrated the new policy as a lifeline for small venues across the country. This additional funding will help grassroots venues stay open, foster up-and-coming artists, and ensure the industry continues to evolve with fresh talent and new opportunities.
While the announcement marks a major step forward, the MVT noted that further work remains to cement these changes. “It’s now a question of how and when, not if, the grassroots ticketing contribution is enacted,” the organisation stated. They urged the music industry to adopt the contribution voluntarily, as a statutory levy could follow if not embraced. In addition to the ticketing policy, MVT is pushing for reforms on business rates and VAT reductions on ticket sales to further support the sector.
The new policy has already received high-profile support from major artists. Sam Fender, for instance, announced he would donate £1 for every ticket sold on his upcoming tour to the MVT, while Coldplay committed 10% of ticket revenue from their shows.
MVT CEO Mark Davyd praised Coldplay’s contribution, highlighting the band’s journey from grassroots venues to global stadium tours:
“It’s fantastic to see them giving back to the grassroots venues that supported them and acknowledging the artists and promoters facing more challenges than ever in building their careers.”
Rounding off on an optimistic note, the Music Venue Trust acknowledged the progress made for grassroots venues and expressed hope for even more impactful changes:
“Together, we have actually changed things for the better – and together, we can do even more,” they wrote, underscoring a renewed optimism for the future of the UK’s grassroots music scene.
For all the latest industry news, expert advice and promotion tips, be sure to follow the Skiddle Promoter Instagram page and the Skiddle LinkedIn page.
Image credit: Bernie Bates / Unsplash.com
Tags
