LIVE to start securing the future of grassroots music venues through £1 ticket levy
Image credit: Wan San Yip.
Supporting artists, venues, and promoters through community-driven funding.
The LIVE Trust
The UK live music industry body, LIVE, is launching its LIVE Trust initiative to protect grassroots music venues in the UK. Funding will be distributed from a pool created from a voluntary £1-per-ticket contribution from arena and stadium concerts.
Grassroots venues in crisis?
While the live music industry has rebounded post-pandemic, grassroots venues are still fighting for survival. According to UK Music’s 2024 report, hundreds of small venues have closed, with others on the brink. To blame? The live music ecosystem is currently under pressure from rising production costs and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
How the LIVE Trust will make a difference
The LIVE Trust wants to ensure the survival of struggling venues, festivals, artists, and promoters amidst mounting financial pressures. Particularly, the Trust is committed to addressing these challenges with specific, actionable goals:
- Keeping community venues alive: Funding will help grassroots venues and festivals stay operational, ensuring public access to live music.
- Empowering early-career musicians: Training and support for musicians, crew, and teams will enable the creation and performance of new music, boosting early-stage careers.
- Building sustainable music careers: By investing in professional development, the Trust aims to create a more sustainable future for those working in live music.
Industry-led solutions
Increasing pressures from the UK live music industry and policymakers increased impetus for the scheme. With the British government backing the levy, warning that if no voluntary scheme emerged then legislation could follow, the Trust keeps control within the music sector.
A panel of trustees will oversee “how money is raised, how much needs to be raised and where that money will be allocated”. This allows the industry to tackle its challenges head-on, prioritising areas facing immediate pressure, such as grassroots venues.
A collaborative effort
The LIVE Trust emphasises collaboration across the live music industry, aiming to maximise the impact of its funding. By complementing LIVE’s central philosophy, the Trust can support existing schemes and coordinate efforts to deliver meaningful change.
This initiative is a call to action across the industry to support a cause that benefits the entire industry. With widespread participation, hopefully the LIVE Trust can secure a thriving future for grassroots music across the UK.