Music Venue Trust
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musicvenuetrust.bsky.social
Music Venue Trust
@musicvenuetrust.bsky.social
UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure and improve Grassroots Music Venues.
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
November 25, 2025 at 11:40 AM
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.
November 24, 2025 at 10:01 AM
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.
November 21, 2025 at 1:09 PM
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...
November 21, 2025 at 1:08 PM
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.
November 20, 2025 at 11:03 AM
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.
November 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM
£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.
November 18, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Mother Mary's opened in June 2024, with bold ambitions to augment Manchester's rich grassroots live music scene and a commitment to inclusive, diverse and passionate programming.
November 13, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Our huge, heartfelt thanks to Sam Fender, who’s donated his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to Music Venue Trust... after already making sure £1 from every ticket on his recent tour went to support grassroots music venues.
November 11, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Just a small snapshot of a very interesting point made by Finlay Johnson (CEO Association for Electronic Music) as part of a much bigger conversation about Nightlife in Scotland.
November 10, 2025 at 4:35 PM
This Trustees’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who help steer Music Venue Trust: www.musicvenuetrust.com/team/#trustees
November 7, 2025 at 5:24 PM
With more venues now entering community ownership - thanks to over 2,000 Music Venue Properties investors - we talk this week with Chris Sherrington about the incredible Save Our Venues campaign and how you can become a part owner in iconic grassroots spaces.
November 7, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Live music is nothing without the fans and the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee have decided it’s finally time to put them in the centre of decision making, with a fan led review of Live and Electronic Music.
November 5, 2025 at 3:47 PM
As part of Unconvention, MVT will be hosting our last in-person workshop of the year on Thurs 20 Nov at The Rose and Monkey Hotel.

🔗 RSVP via https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/The-Rose-And-Monkey-Hotel/MVT-Workshop-Values--Why-You-Should-Be-Talking-About-Them/41465217/

📸 by Greta Baltic
November 5, 2025 at 11:16 AM
We’re joining forces with Marshall to amplify the heart of live music. Together, we’re launching Marshall Nights - a nationwide series of gigs celebrating grassroots venues, local artists, and the communities that keep live music alive.
November 3, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Most venue closures don’t happen because no one turns up. They happen because someone bought the building next door, submitted a planning application, and didn’t want to hear people milling around after 10pm.
October 31, 2025 at 2:39 PM
In the new episode of The Last Safe Space: Toni speaks with Lloyd and Jay about the latest trends, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping grassroots venues across England; from rising costs to local government support and policy innovation.

📺 Watch in full on our YouTube at: youtu.be/X3r5CZZaJv4
In Conversation with the Venue Support Team for England - Episode 8, The Last Safe Space
YouTube video by Music Venue Trust
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Live music is nothing without the fans and the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport committee have decided it’s finally time to put them in the centre of decision making, with a fan led review of Live and Electronic Music.
October 30, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Applications are now open for Manchester’s £245,000 Grassroots Music Venue Fund... and we’re working to get the money into venues’ hands as quickly as possible.

➤ Applications (and more info) now open via bit.ly/ManchesterFund
➤ Deadline: Friday 28th November
➤ Payments issued by end of January
October 30, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Emerging acts playing first-on and support slots get their early live crowd experience, develop stage craft and connection. They often help create the local buzz that enables promoters to sell national tours. They’re part of the pipeline from grassroots venues to arenas.
October 28, 2025 at 11:14 AM
In this episode of The Last Safe Space podcast, MVT's Toni and Sophie unpack the government’s new consultation on licensing reform and what it means for grassroots music venues in no nonsense terms.

📺 Watch exclusively first on YouTube now at youtu.be/Y0UoQUgUksk + hit subscribe.
October 24, 2025 at 10:41 AM
THANK YOU to everyone who came to the first-ever cross-industry Grassroots Networking Day with Association of Independent Festivals and Association of Independent Promoters.

📸 by Georgia Penny
October 23, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Every movement started in a small room somewhere. Sometimes underfunded and misunderstood. But that’s how roots grow. That’s how scenes start. That’s how heroes are formed. That's what keeps every single one of us at MVT, and all our members, motivated in protecting.
October 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Thanks to everyone who joined us, AIF, and AIP for the first combined Grassroots Networking Day.

When venue operators, festival organisers, agents, and promoters share insight without ego or agenda... everyone gains. Because we’re all part of the same ecosystem.

📸 Georgia Penny
October 15, 2025 at 3:40 PM
AGMP Concerts and MVT / Liveline Presents: OMAR – 'BRIGHTER THE DAYS’ UK TOUR, celebrating Omar Lye-Fook MBE's 40 years in music.

🎟️ Tickets on sale now at: agmp.co.uk
October 13, 2025 at 2:05 PM