Grassroots music venue closures slow across the UK
The rate of grassroots venue closures in the UK has slowed for the first time in years. Here’s what the latest report reveals about the post-pandemic landscape.
The UK’s grassroots music venue sector recorded its lowest annual decline since 2018 in 2025, pointing to early signs of stabilisation after several years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising operating costs. While the overall number of venues has continued to fall slightly, the rate of closure has slowed markedly compared with previous years.
According to the Music Venue Trust’s (MVT) 2025 annual report, the sector experienced a net loss of nine grassroots venues over the year. This figure reflects a mixed picture: a number of venues closed permanently or ceased hosting grassroots live music, while others returned to operation after periods of inactivity. MVT has characterised this balance as an indication that the sector may be moving away from the sharp contraction seen during and immediately after the pandemic.
Despite the slowing decline, the report highlights that many grassroots venues remain under significant financial pressure. In 2025, the sector generated £76.6 million in revenue, underscoring the cultural and economic importance of small live music spaces. However, more than half of venues reported operating without profit, and average profit margins remained extremely narrow. MVT notes that such margins leave venues vulnerable to sudden cost increases or drops in audience attendance.
Employment within the grassroots sector also continued to decline. Total jobs fell by more than a fifth compared with previous years, with venues citing rising employer costs, including national insurance contributions, as a major factor. These reductions have had a particular impact on casual and entry-level roles, which have traditionally provided pathways into the wider live music industry.
The report also outlines ongoing challenges beyond finances. Venue operators continue to face pressures related to licensing, planning disputes, noise complaints and redevelopment, particularly in urban areas. While existing protections such as the “agent of change” principle have helped in some cases, MVT argues that enforcement remains inconsistent across local authorities.
In response to these conditions, MVT says it plans to expand its support programmes, including investment in initiatives designed to reduce operating costs and improve touring viability. Among these is the Liveline touring scheme, which aims to help venues and promoters manage the financial risks associated with hosting live shows, particularly for emerging artists.
The trust has also renewed calls for longer-term policy intervention, including making the voluntary grassroots levy on arena and stadium ticket sales mandatory and addressing structural barriers facing touring artists in the post-Brexit environment. These proposals are intended to help create a more sustainable pipeline between grassroots venues and the wider live music ecosystem.
While the reduced rate of venue loss suggests the sector may be stabilising, MVT has been clear that this should not be interpreted as a full recovery. Many venues remain in a precarious position, and the coming years will be critical in determining whether the slowdown in closures can be converted into lasting financial resilience.