The latest annual report from the Music Venue Trust (MTV) revealed the scale of the challenges for the sector.
But 2026 could be the moment when the turnaround takes place with the first distribution from the £1 levy on arena and stadium shows.
Following campaigning from the grassroots sector and supporters, a voluntary levy has found widespread support in recent months. The UK government signalled that it could take action if the sector did not come up with its own solution to the “grassroots crisis” that has been highlighted by MVT.
The LIVE Trust, the new funding initiative offering financial support to those working across live music – artists, venue operators, promoters, festival organisers and more – has announced the first wave of funded programmes through its phase one grant strategy. They will directly benefit from the £500,000 distribution.
It comes amid further good news for the sector with the government’s announcement on immediate business rates relief – including grassroots venues. “We will be exploring with our Music Venues Alliance venue members if the proposed 15% reduction in rates payable, followed by a freeze for two years, is sufficient to manage this crisis, which threatened to close hundreds of venues in the next three years,” said Mark Davyd, CEO and founder, Music Venue Trust.
Established by and acting on behalf of the live music industry, the LIVE Trust has an initial focus on the grassroots music sector in a bid to combat venue closures, a reduced touring circuit and festival cancellations.
The £500,000 distribution for the sector follows the escalating cost of event production, touring and venue operation – at a time of continuing cost-of-living concerns. The LIVE Trust was established by LIVE, the representative body for UK live music.
This truly is a landmark moment for the Trust as this first phase of funding is delivered to our partners
Kirsty McShannon
Funding, which comes from a voluntary contribution of £1 per ticket on shows over 5,000-capacity, is being placed with music industry organisations that can have an immediate and positive impact across the grassroots music sector. Each organisation has set out plans for specific programmes of activity and support.
Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE & LIVE Trust, said: “It has been quite a journey over the last year as we registered the Trust with the Charity Commission, appointed trustees, developed a grant making strategy and built support across UK live music. I would like to thank the LIVE Board, our trustees and every promoter, manager, venue, agent and artist that has stepped forward in support of this vital work.”
LIVE Trust chair Kirsty McShannon said: “This truly is a landmark moment for the Trust as this first phase of funding is delivered to our partners. Their plans are exciting and will deliver real, lasting change for artists, venues, promoters, festivals and the next generation of crew across the UK. With an ever-increasing number of tours coming on board, we hope and expect that this demonstration of what the Trust is all about, will mean even more supporters joining the cause.”
Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray said: “The UK’s world-famous music industry relies on the strength of our live music scene. It is brilliant to see those at the top of the business are supporting the grassroots and shoring up the pipeline of British talent. This initiative, which the government has played an active role in encouraging uptake of, will help secure this talent pipeline for the future. I would continue to urge all major players in the music industry to get involved, to bolster the grassroots and secure the British stars of the future.”
It is brilliant to see those at the top of the business are supporting the grassroots and shoring up the pipeline of British talent
Ian Murray
LIVE Trust will be announcing further funding rounds throughout the year.
Here’s how the first wave of funding worth £500,000 breaks down…
Music Venue Support delivered by Music Venue Trust – £200,000
More than half of the UK’s grassroots music venues showed no profit at all in 2025, with changes to national insurance and business rates resulting in a loss of 6,000 jobs.
According to MVT’s annual report, the majority of grassroots music venues are now “one financial shock away from crisis”, while the national touring circuit continues to contract. Over the past year alone, 30 venues permanently closed, and 175 UK towns & cities, home to an estimated 25 million people, no longer receive regular touring shows by professional artists.
Investing support across Music Venue Trust’s programming will see immediate interventions that are set to stabilise grassroots music venues, prevent closures, reduce urgent financial pressures, and lay the groundwork for longer-term recovery.
LIVE Trust funding will support:
• Venue Support Team and Emergency Response Hardship Fund - supporting venues in crisis
• Venue MOT programme – supporting management and efficiency
• Off The Grid – working to eliminate energy bills for venues
• Raise the Standard – improving performance facilities across sound, lighting and backline
• Stay the Night – investing in artist accommodation and reducing touring costs
• Liveline – investing in touring to improve access to live music, especially in areas left behind
UK Artists Touring Fund delivered by Featured Artists Coalition, Music Managers Forum & Musicians’ Union – £125,000
Due to spiralling touring costs, more artists are faced with either losing money when they tour or being unable to tour at all. This is evidenced by the declining number of dates and locations on artists’ UK tour schedules.
The issue is compounded at the emerging and mid-tier level of the live sector, by increasing availability of large-scale shows carrying large ticket prices. As business booms at the upper end, smaller events are suffering amid the cost-of-living crisis, which impacts audiences’ choices on how they spend their limited disposable income.
The UK Artists Touring Fund programme will support UK artists to build sustainable careers and develop new audiences.
“By providing audiences with access to new music closer to where they are and, in many cases, access to artists that might not have been able to perform live at all, the UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) can help revitalise audiences’ connection with new, live music whilst enabling a new diverse generation of UK talent, both on and off the stage,” said a statement.
UKAT will provide tour support to artists, to help make live shows and touring financially viable and inclusive. While the main direct ‘beneficiaries’ will be artists, facilitating artists’ live activity is set to stimulate all parts of the grassroots sector, including the workforce and services that artists pay, the venues, promoters and festivals they work with.
Independent Promoters Grassroots Bursary Scheme delivered by the Association of Independent Promoters – £75,000
Grassroots promoters play a vital role in sustaining local music ecosystems. Rising costs and the current economic climate make it difficult for promoters to take risks on new and upcoming artists – an integral part of the talent pipeline.
With targeted micro-grants and wrap-around professional support, the Independent Promoters Grassroots Bursary Scheme is designed to empower new and emerging promoters to deliver events that would typically be deemed to carry too much risk.
“Working across all UK regions, the programme will strengthen the live music pipeline, and increase diversity, accessibility, and innovation in promoting,” said a statement.
Micro & Very Small Festivals Development Programme delivered by the Association of Independent Festivals – £50,000
The grassroots festival sector includes 200-300 events taking place every year.
The AIF’s Micro Festivals Development Programme supports grassroots festival organisers across the UK. It provides targeted training, resources, skills development and ongoing marketing, ticketing and peer support helping them run, sustain or grow their festivals, and overcome key cross-sector challenges.
Volume Control Enhanced delivered by Oh Yeah Centre, Belfast – £25,000
Pathways into the music and live events industry in Northern Ireland are limited, particularly for young people.
The investment in Volume Control will strengthen Belfast’s grassroots live music scene by developing young people as artists, audiences, and industry professionals, according to the announcement. The programme will educate and support participants to understand how live music ecosystems work, while gaining practical experience in event delivery, venue operations, promotion and artist support
Developing Scotland's Emerging Live Sector delivered by Wide Events – £15,000
Developing Scotland's Emerging Live Sector programme aims to empower aspiring artists, promoters and event professionals.
Through the Off The Record Showcase, artists are provided with a professional performance platform, giving them stage experience, exposure to new audiences and engagement with industry peers. Mentoring from established practitioners will offer tailored guidance, insight, and industry connections, and will support artistic and professional growth.
Through Wide Days, six bursaries will be provided for early-career agents or bookers from town or rural venues across Scotland. This includes programmed meetings with Scottish and international live professionals, to build networks, share knowledge and foster collaboration.
Music Futures delivered by Production Futures – £10,000
This initiative will see a 'Make Noise' competition running nationwide to win tech kits for school and youth groups and to spark interest and visibility into production career opportunities.
Working with secondary school-aged individuals, home-educated families, and those not currently in education, employment or training, the programme will provide practical experience and career exploration opportunities.
PHOTO: (left to right) Steve Lamacq, Chair of LIVE and LIVE Trust Trustee; Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE & LIVE Trust and Kirsty McShannon, LIVE Trust Chair
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