Music Venue Trust names new patrons

The Music Venue Trust (MVT) has announced six new patrons who will advocate for the organisation.

Joining MVT are musician and actress KATE NASH; MP for Brighton Pavilion SIAN BERRY; live music agent SUMMER MARSHALL; CEO and creative director at the Scottish Music Industry Association ROBERT KILPATRICK; co-founder of Focus Wales NEAL THOMPSON; and artist and independent label manager COLIN NEWMAN.

Nash, who last year started selling pictures on the website OnlyFans to subsidise the cost of touring, said: “I love grassroots venues, and I wouldn’t have the career I have today without them. I value music and art across all levels. Protecting the grassroots is an investment in the future of UK culture. If we lose the grassroots, we lose the birth, growth and development of future artists.”

Berry said: “My constituency of Brighton Pavilion is home to so many amazing grassroots venues.

“All of these venues work extremely closely with MVT, and I’ve heard from them directly about the invaluable support and advice they receive all year round.

“As an MP, it’s hugely reassuring to have the insights and expertise of all of the team at MVT and I’m looking forward to working together for these special community spaces.”

BEVERLEY WHITRICK, COO of Music Venue Trust, added: “MVT’s patrons are powerful advocates for grassroots music venues and the work we do to protect the sector. We are incredibly grateful to these six individuals for adding their voices in support of our work.”