The Independent Launches 'Main Stage' Initiative to Support UK Grassroots Music Venues

The Independent, in association with the Music Venue Trust, has launched a new initiative called 'Main Stage' to support and promote grassroots music venues across the UK. The project aims to highlight the struggles and successes of these venues, which serve as launch pads for up-and-coming talent but have faced significant challenges, with an average of two closing permanently every week in 2023.

During the year-long program, The Independent will feature one grassroots venue from each of the 12 UK regions per month, starting with The Music Workshop in Folkestone, Kent. Opened by husband-and-wife team Daniel and Josie Clark, the venue operates as a cafe, gig space, and events space. The owners believe operating as a multi-purpose venue is the only way to survive, but they have faced challenges in securing funding and running the business.

The Independent's Music Editor, Roisin O'Connor, will speak to the people behind the chosen establishments, telling their stories and highlighting their struggles and successes. Each 'Main Stage' venue will also be featured in The Independent's weekly 'Now Hear This' newsletter and social media, and be given £5,000 of ad inventory within The Independent.

Why this matters: The grassroots music scene is significantly underfunded compared to other areas of culture, despite contributing over £500 million to the economy and employing close to 30,000 people. The Main Stage initiative aims to shine a spotlight on the important role these venues play in their local communities and the incredible work being done in the sector.

The Music Venue Trust, founded in 2014 to help protect independent music venues, has been vocal about the challenges faced by the sector. CEO Mark Davyd recently criticized comments made by the executive director of the new Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, who suggested that some smaller venues in the UK are poorly run. Davyd argued that the UK's grassroots music venues are not poorly run and that they need a sustainable injection of cash, not training programs or apprenticeships.

"The grassroots music venue sector is highly skilled and experienced, facing significant challenges," said Davyd. "It is disrespectful and disingenuous to suggest they are poorly run." The Trust has successfully distributed millions of pounds to venues, artists, and promoters in the last 24 months, and continues to advocate for support, including a proposed £1 ticket levy on all arena-sized gigs and above to support the live music ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• The Independent launches 'Main Stage' to support UK grassroots music venues.
• The project will feature one venue per month, starting with The Music Workshop in Folkestone.
• Grassroots venues face challenges, with an average of 2 closing per week in 2023.
• The Music Venue Trust criticizes comments about 'poorly run' venues, calling for sustainable funding.
• The Trust proposes a £1 ticket levy on arena-sized gigs to support the live music ecosystem.