By: Gideon Gottfried
Adam Gasson/Metal Hammer Magazine/Future via Getty Images
This is what grassroots music venues are all about. The Defiled live on stage at The Exchange in Bristol, May 13, 2013. The UK s grassroots sector is currently booking shows at its own expense in other to facilitate the return of live.The UK s Music Venue Trust (MVT) conducted a survey amongst the more than 900 members of the Music Venues Alliance (MVA), who confirmed 2,500 shows from May 17, when the government s next phase of easing lockdown begins.
May 17 marks phase three of the UK s roadmap out of lockdown. It will allow will allow performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), as stated on the UK government s website.
A campaign backed by music stars Biffy Clyro, Deacon Blue, KT Tunstall and The Proclaimers warned the industry has been left at breaking point . The Scottish Commercial Music Industry Taskforce has warned the government to act immediately to head off a looming financial crisis. It said more than 3000 jobs and 10,000 freelance contracts have been put at risk and called for indicative dates for when shows can resume without social distancing. The taskforce claims there is a significant disconnect between venues reopening next month but with social distancing in place, and the reality of financial viability. Leading promoters, event organisers, festivals venues and agents said Scotland has fallen behind all other parts of the UK.
Music Venue Trust reveal #SaveOurVenues campaign has raised over £3.8 million this year
The organisation say they have been able to support 920 Music Venues Alliance members during the coronavirus pandemic
The 1975 perform at the Bodega in Nottingham, 2013 (Picture: Getty)
The Music Venue Trust has announced that their #SaveOurVenues campaign has raised over £3.8 million this year for crisis-hit grassroots music venues across the UK.
Launched back in April after music venues up and down the country were forced to close their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ongoing campaign is aiming to offer both financial and human support to venues during the health crisis.