Let’s be honest: grassroots music venues are where the magic happens. These sweaty little rooms are where legends are born and fans discover their favourite artists before they’re selling out arenas. And trust me, I know—because it’s where I first saw Lewis Capaldi spilling his heart out on a tiny stage and Tom Grennan owning the room like a seasoned pro before they became chart-topping sensations.
So, when the UK government announced on 14th November that arena and stadium ticket sales would now include a financial contribution to grassroots venues, it felt like an overdue, well-deserved round of applause for the backbone of British music.
The policy, described by the Music Venue Trust (MVT) as “The single most significant shift in over fifty years of British music,” could be a game-changer. Rising rents, post-pandemic fallout, and a lack of funding have left small venues in crisis mode for years, but this new plan could finally give them the support they need to survive.
Big Gigs Giving Back
Here’s how it works: every ticket sold for arena and stadium shows will include a little financial love for the grassroots venues that foster emerging talent. The cash will help keep the lights on, nurture up-and-coming artists, and sustain local promoters. It’s the music industry equivalent of remembering to thank the friend who introduced you to your favourite band—it just feels right.
Artists are already leading the charge. Sam Fender, the Geordie golden boy of indie rock, recently pledged £1 from every ticket sold on his upcoming tour to the Music Venue Trust. While £1 might not sound like much, when you’re playing to tens of thousands of people in massive venues, it adds up fast.
Then there’s Coldplay, who aren’t exactly strangers to big crowds. They’ve gone one step further, donating 10% of their ticket revenue to the trust. That’s a serious chunk of change. Mark Davyd, CEO of the Music Venue Trust, summed it up perfectly:
“Coldplay are the perfect example of a UK band who came through the grassroots circuit on their way to worldwide stadium-filling success. It’s fantastic to see them celebrating their own pathway to Wembley by giving back to the grassroots music venues that supported them.”
Honestly, seeing big names like this pay it forward is heartwarming. It’s proof that no matter how big the stage, they haven’t forgotten where it all started.
Not Quite Job Done
Of course, this isn’t the time for a victory lap just yet. The Music Venue Trust made it clear there’s still work to do. They warned:
“It’s now a question of how and when, not if, the grassroots ticketing contribution is enacted. The ball is in the music industry’s court: act voluntarily or face a statutory levy.”
Translation? Either the industry gets its act together and rolls this out quickly, or the government will step in with a mandatory levy. And honestly, I wouldn’t hate to see the latter if it ensures that action happens.
Another major fight on the Trust’s radar is ticket VAT. Did you know the UK has the highest VAT on tickets of any major music market? That’s not exactly the “best of British.” Reducing VAT could make ticket prices fairer and put more money back into the venues and artists who deserve it.
Why This Matters
Grassroots music venues aren’t just buildings—they’re where culture is made. They’re the places you drag your mates to on a Thursday night to see a band you’ve never heard of, only to walk out obsessed. They’re where artists like Lewis Capaldi and Tom Grennan learn their craft, make mistakes, and grow into the stadium-fillers we all love.
This new policy doesn’t just help venues stay open; it guarantees that future stars have stages to play on. Without grassroots spaces, the pipeline of talent dries up, and the entire music ecosystem suffers.
As the Music Venue Trust said in their closing words:
“Together, we have actually changed things for the better – and together, we can do even more. There is light at the end of the tunnel for grassroots music venues.”
Light at the end of the tunnel indeed. And for once, it’s not just a spotlight on a corporate sponsorship logo.
So next time you’re screaming along to your favourite artist in a packed arena, remember: that ticket in your hand isn’t just about the night’s show. It’s about keeping the music alive for future generations. From the local pub gig where it all starts to the massive stadium tours, every artist deserves the chance to shine—and now, thanks to this policy, they might just get it.
