Music bodies launch fund for grassroots music

A fund inviting artists and companies to donate and help protect the UK’s grassroots music sector has officially opened.

The LiveLine Fund, launched by music charity Music Venue Trust (MVT) and live music advocacy platform Save Our Scene (SOS), plans to support grassroots music venues across the country while also offering an open application process to grassroots artists and independent promoters, to be managed by MVT.

The first initiative under the new partnership between MVT and SOS will benefit from funds generated by Coldplay’s pledge to donate 10% of all proceeds from the band’s forthcoming stadium tour to MVT. The concert promoters, booking agent, venues and ticketing platforms involved in Coldplay’s tour are also set to donate to the LiveLine Fund.

Since Coldplay’s announcement, singers Sam Fender and Katy Perry have both partnered with MVT and pledged to donate £1 from every ticket sale for their forthcoming UK tours, which will also go towards the LiveLine Fund.

Meanwhile, UK footwear brand Kickers has become the first brand to donate.

George Fleming, SOS founder, said a thriving music industry depends on a steady pipeline of talent, which is made possible through supporting grassroots music.

“Collaborative action is essential to ensure this fund achieves its full potential and we look forward to working alongside MVT and other stakeholders in amplifying the fund, its awardees and helping ensure proceeds are distributed in a holistic and transparent way, which benefits the entire grassroots ecosystem, including fans,” he added.

Music Venue Properties secures fourth venue

The announcement of the fund coincides with news that the future of a fourth independent music venue has been secured under MVT’s Music Venue Properties (MVP) scheme.

Dover’s Booking Hall, a 156-year-old venue with a standing capacity of 280 people, had been under threat of closure after the owner decided to put the building up for sale.

It has now been acquired by MVP, securing the building’s long-term future as a music venue.

“We were trying to purchase the building ourselves, but did not have the capital up front for a deposit,” Stuart Cameron, who runs the Booking Hall, told the BBC.

“Without MVP stepping in to purchase the venue, the most likely outcome would have been a property developer turning the building into flats or offices.”

The MVP initiative launched in March 2023 following a successful fundraising drive and purchased its first venue, The Snug in Atherton, in October 2023.

It acquired its second venue, The Ferret in Preston, in May this year and its third, Swansea’s The Bunkhouse, last month.