Music Venue Trust

The Government currently insists on taking 20% from the Grassroots Levy in VAT. Maybe at the very least we could have a conversation about how wildly inappropriate that is?

Nothing on VAT on tickets, nothing on investment, nothing on tax reliefs, nothing on cutting energy bills, intervening on rent, addressing Agent of Change flaws, or any of the multiple opportunities everyone keeps bringing to the Government that they don’t act on.

Abandoning the existing Rate Relief simply results in higher bills next year than this year, no matter what HM Treasury spreadsheets claims or what impact on that rise Transitional Relief might have.

Abandoning the current 40% Rate Relief for a far weaker 12% reduction in the Rateable Value multiplier is a tax hike hiding under the claim of ‘lower bills for everyone in 2026/27’.

This Budget is yet another episode in the long running saga of failures to seize opportunities to support Grassroots Music Venues. The Government’s rhetoric on their support for this vital sector is completely undone by the reality of their business rates decision.

🎟️ Tickets are now on sale for Mae Stephens’ grassroots UK tour.

Thanks to the Liveline Fund, Mae will be performing across some of our most important venues. Support the future of live music by showing up where it starts. GET YOUR TICKETS.

If you’d like to take part, please RSVP via flr@musicvenuetrust.com - this is a fantastic opportunity to #HaveYourSay.

A reminder that we're in Manchester this Thursday 27 November for another Fan-Led Review event with chair Kevin Brennan MP, in association with Greater Manchester Music Commission and @greatermcr.bsky.social.

"This is Manchester at its progressive best, cultivating meaningful conversations and clear-cut solutions.”

"These are pragmatic, real-world proposals that commit to supporting the city region’s magnificent music venues, and it’s hugely encouraging to see recommendations already being actioned, including the launch of the Manchester Grassroots Venues Network."

MVT’s Jay Taylor adds that “the report presents a set of compelling recommendations which mirror MVT campaigns and the findings of the UK Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s report on grassroots music."

We're proud to support the landmark 'Music in the City' report from Manchester Music City and Manchester City Council, and the launch of their new Grassroots Venues Network.

📸 Jody Hartley

Mae Stephens​, one of the UK’s most exciting voices​, will be playing a run of shows across some of the best grassroots music venues​. This is made possible through the Liveline Fund, powered by artists and fans supporting the foundation of the live music ecosystem.

🎟️ Tickets on sale Wednesday.

YouTube video by Music Venue Trust In Conversation with the Venue Support Team for Scotland & Wales - Episode 11

📺 Watch in full, exclusively on our YouTube: youtu.be/9IMdHmKCCC8 - and hit subscribe to catch future episodes.

In this episode of The Last Safe Space: Toni speaks with Stina and Aled about the current pressures, regional strengths, and emerging opportunities shaping grassroots venues across Scotland and Wales, from licensing and planning issues to ethics, accessibility, and community-led support.

He continues to tour tirelessly, sharing his unmistakable voice, songs, and stories with audiences everywhere - so catch him live if you can.

Glenn says; “The grassroots is where it all starts for so many musicians and where local communities can access affordable and exciting live music. We need to protect these venues and nurture the artists so that our great culture can thrive for generations to come.”

Today, we’re proud to announce that Glenn is joining Music Venue Trust as a Patron.

From the early days of playing tiny rooms to performing on the world’s biggest stages, Glenn knows better than most how essential grassroots music venues are in nurturing talent, building communities, and giving artists their first true home.

A defining voice of British songwriting, Glenn Tilbrook has spent decades crafting the sharp, melodic brilliance that made Squeeze one of the UK’s most enduring and influential bands...

Places are limited, and demand is high - so if you’d like to take part, please apply as soon as possible.

#HaveYourSay

📸 : Georgia Penny / Victoria Durand

It’s important to all parties to make sure that a variety of locations and that Welsh language is facilitated in these discussions and we are grateful to Creative Wales for support making sure these venues can be made available for these discussions to take place and that you can play a part.

In partnership with Creative Wales, FOCUS Wales and Cardiff Music City, we are hosting events in the following locations

📍 Carmarthen - 23 November
📍 Bethesda - 25 November

As part of our ongoing work supporting the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Fan-Led Review of Live Music, we’re excited to announce that the next two events in this nationswide series are coming to Wales.

When that money disappears into touts’ pockets, fans have less to spend on the gigs that keep local rooms open, support emerging artists, and sustain the cultural pipeline.

📸: Greta Baltic

Today’s announcement shows just how damaging inflated resale prices have become, with fans losing hundreds to secondary-market mark-ups.

Fair resale pricing helps fans afford more live shows in their local scene - supporting artists from day one.

Grassroots venues are the foundation of the touring ecosystem.

And it’s only the beginning. More campaigns are coming. More venues will be up for community investment. So keep your eyes peeled. The next venue you save might be your own.

Look, this is a big win. Not just for the venues at risk, but for the future of live music and all of us. When communities own the space, they better control the future. This fundamentally changes what’s possible.

£1.5 million raised. Target hit... and then some.

Huge congratulations to Music Venue Properties, who’ve officially smashed their investment target, raising over £1.5 million to put UK grassroots venues into permanent community ownership.