UK Music Venues: A Fragile Stabilisation and the Fight for Survival
The UK’s grassroots music venue (GMV) landscape is showing tentative signs of stabilisation, but a new report from the Music Venue Trust (MVT) paints a picture of a sector walking a tightrope. While the net loss of venues slowed to just nine in 2025 – the lowest rate since 2018 – the underlying pressures remain significant. This isn’t a story of recovery, but of resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
The Numbers Tell a Complex Story
Between July 2024 and 2025, 30 venues closed permanently, and a further 48 temporarily ceased operating as GMVs. However, crucially, 69 spaces that had previously closed their doors reopened. This ‘churn’ highlights the precarious nature of the sector. Financial viability, ownership changes, and redevelopment are the primary culprits behind closures, but the reopenings demonstrate a clear demand and passion for live music experiences.
Revenue reached £76.6m in 2025, but a sobering 53.8% of GMVs reported no profit. The average profit margin is a mere 2.5%, and a growing 38% are now operating as not-for-profit organisations. This reliance on charitable status or volunteer efforts underscores the financial strain venues are under.
Did you know? The not-for-profit model is becoming increasingly common as venues seek access to grants and philanthropic funding to offset operating costs.
The Human Cost: Job Losses and Rising Costs
The impact extends beyond balance sheets. Employment in the GMV sector has plummeted by almost 22%, falling from 30,885 to 24,242. The primary driver? National Insurance increases for employers. This highlights how seemingly unrelated policy changes can have a devastating effect on small businesses within the music ecosystem.
The MVT warns that “the majority of venues are one financial shock away from crisis.” This isn’t hyperbole. A sudden increase in energy prices, a downturn in ticket sales, or unexpected maintenance costs could easily push a venue over the edge.
The Grassroots Levy: A Potential Lifeline, But Facing Resistance
The proposed grassroots levy – adding £1 to tickets for arena and stadium shows to create a fund for GMVs – remains a key focus for the MVT. While some artists, like Sam Fender and Katy Perry, and venues, including London’s O2 Arena, have voluntarily adopted the levy, uptake remains inconsistent.
Live Nation, controlling 66% of the UK’s major event ticket market, has yet to fully commit. Their statement expressing support for the “aims” of the levy, while “encouraging” to see artists opting in, falls short of a firm pledge. This resistance from a major industry player underscores the challenges in securing sustainable funding for grassroots venues.
Pro Tip: Supporting artists who actively contribute to the grassroots levy is a direct way to help sustain the venues that nurture emerging talent.
Beyond Funding: Agent of Change and Touring Challenges
The MVT is also advocating for the legal enshrining of the ‘agent of change’ principle, which places the responsibility for noise mitigation on developers building near existing venues. This would protect venues from being forced to close due to noise complaints stemming from new construction.
Brexit continues to create barriers to touring for UK artists, increasing costs and logistical complexities. The MVT is urging the government to address these issues and ensure that funding schemes like the Music Growth Scheme prioritize grassroots talent.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the touring front. Recent reports indicate an expansion of the UK touring map, with more events taking place in smaller towns and cities. Live Nation’s chair, Denis Desmond, noted a 40% increase in events held in towns across the UK compared to 2015.
MVT’s Proactive Measures: Investing in the Future
The MVT isn’t solely relying on external support. It’s committing £2m to programs designed to reduce operating costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the experience for artists and audiences. Their Liveline touring programme aims to provide a fully funded solution to the touring crisis by covering venue costs, reducing risk for promoters, and guaranteeing artist fees.
The Trust is also expanding its frontline venue support team and emergency hardship fund, providing crucial advice and financial assistance to prevent avoidable closures. They’ve identified 175 UK towns and cities with GMVs that haven’t hosted significant touring artists, highlighting the need for greater accessibility to live music across the country.
FAQ: Grassroots Music Venues
Q: What is a Grassroots Music Venue (GMV)?
A: A small to medium-sized venue that provides a platform for emerging artists and local musicians.
Q: Why are GMVs important?
A: They are crucial for developing new talent, fostering a vibrant music scene, and providing cultural experiences for communities.
Q: What is the agent of change principle?
A: It means that developers building near existing venues are responsible for mitigating any noise issues caused by their construction.
Q: How can I help support GMVs?
A: Attend gigs, buy merchandise, support artists who contribute to the grassroots levy, and advocate for policies that protect these venues.
Learn more about the Music Venue Trust and their work.
What are your thoughts on the future of live music? Share your opinions in the comments below, and explore our other articles on the evolving music industry.
