Dover has had its only grassroots venue saved by UK-based initiative.

Music Venue Properties, part of the charity Music Venue Trust, has prevented the closure of a UK grassroots venue for a fourth time. The Booking Hall in Dover has been purchased by the initiative, ensuring the survival of “the only recognised grassroots music venue in Dover”, according to COO Matthew Otridge.

The Dover venue faced closure due to financial pressures, a situation familiar to many similar spaces. Booking Hall’s previous owner put the 280 capacity venue up for sale earlier this year. Recognising the importance of preserving this creative space, MVP stepped in and bought the place, protecting it from inevitable property development.

MVP’s innovative model of purchasing and securing these properties has provided a lifeline, ensuring that venues like this can continue to thrive. By removing the burden of ownership from operators, MVP allows them to focus on what matter

For Dover, the venue’s survival ensures that the town remains a destination for live music. These spaces not only foster creativity but also strengthen community ties and boost local economies. For independent musicians, they are an irreplaceable stepping stone, providing essential opportunities to build fanbases and hone their craft.

Music Venue Trust has received significant backing from artists like Coldplay and Katy Perry. Coldplay pledged 10% of ticket sales from their upcoming 2025 UK stadium shows to support MVT’s efforts, while Katy Perry will donate £1 from every tour ticket sold. These donations help to bolster the efforts of charities like MVT, and demonstrate that help from bigger artists is a viable way to save venues.

However, these sporadic injections of funding make it difficult to craft a long-term, sustainable plan to support grassroots venues. The UK government recently backed the proposition of a £1 ticket levy, relating to arena and stadium shows. These shows have proven to be a massive reason for the UK live music industry’s revenue growth and recovery since the pandemic. However, while the sector appears to be doing well, grassroots live music is still suffering. A ticket levy would go some way to providing a more reliable stream of funding for independent, local venues.