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MVT Monthly Newsletter – November 2025

Music Venue Trust2025-11-26T17:55:43+01:00November 26th, 2025|

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MVT Monthly Newsletter – May 2026

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MVT Monthly Newsletter - September 2026
Music Venue Trust Announces Norman Cook, Jamie Cullum, Chris Hawkins and Ciaran Lavery as New Patrons
MVT Monthly Newsletter - August 2026
MVT Monthly Newsletter - July 2026
Grassroots Networking Day Returns for Second Edition in October 2026
(left to right) Chris Hurne, Toni Coe-Brooker, Denzil Thomas, Beverley Whitrick, Rebecca Walker, Sophie Asquith, Adrian Norman & Mark Davyd (photo credit: Katie Frost)
Music Venue Trust Strengthens Leadership Team for Next Phase of Growth

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musicvenuetrust

UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure and improve Grassroots Music Venues.
Agents are the people who help artists find the ri Agents are the people who help artists find the right opportunities, connecting them with venues, promoters and festivals to build shows and develop careers. They know their artists inside out - where they belong, who their audience is and which opportunities could take them to the next stage. They build relationships across the live music ecosystem that can turn a conversation into a show, and a show into the next opportunity. The Entertainment Agents’ Association represents agents across the UK and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing the experience and perspective of agents into the room alongside the rest of the live music ecosystem.
Promoters are the people who bring the different p Promoters are the people who bring the different pieces of a live show together - finding the artists, working with venues, building audiences and taking the leap on making a show happen. They work across the whole grassroots ecosystem, connecting artists, agents, venues and audiences and often taking the risks that come with putting on a show. They’re the people who turn an idea into a night people can actually walk into - and who help artists find their audiences, build their careers and keep coming back to the stage. The Association of Independent Promoters represents independent promoters across the UK and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing their experience and perspective into the room alongside the rest of the live music ecosystem.
For years, the fight for grassroots music venues h For years, the fight for grassroots music venues has been about making sure they are still here, and that fight still matters. But when you spend years fighting for something you love, eventually you want more than to know it survived. You want to see it flourish. That’s where Music Venue Trust is now. We still protect grassroots music venues when they need us. But now we get to invest in what they can become; putting real resources into the places at the heart of our music culture and giving them the chance to grow stronger, better and more ambitious. It’s a shift from asking “how do we keep this alive?” to asking “what could this become if we gave it what it needs?” And that’s an exciting place to be. The future of grassroots music shouldn’t just be something we protect, it should be something we get to shape. We’re already doing it. The investment MVT is making in grassroots music venues in 2026 is helping move the network beyond simply surviving - towards better spaces, stronger venues and a more ambitious future. The Supporters Circle is how you become part of that work. From £5 a month, you can become a venue activist and help turn protection into progress. We’ve spent years fighting to keep these places here. Now we get to build the future they deserve. Join the Supporters Circle via the 🔗 in our bio.
Listening, learning and connecting with Wales’ gra Listening, learning and connecting with Wales’ grassroots music community. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Team MVT headed to Wales to spend time with the people at the heart of its grassroots music venues, bringing the community together to talk, share experiences and look at what’s happening across the sector. The day created space for venue representatives to speak openly about what they’re experiencing, what they need and what needs to happen next. That direct conversation matters. The numbers help us understand the bigger picture, but hearing from the people running these spaces every day gives those numbers context and helps make sure our work reflects what’s actually happening on the ground. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and shared so openly. We’ll keep listening, keep showing up and keep fighting for a stronger future for grassroots music in Wales. ❤️
Grassroots music venues are where the shows happen Grassroots music venues are where the shows happen - but making those shows happen takes a whole ecosystem. Venues work with agents, promoters and festivals constantly to find the right artists, build great bills and create opportunities for live music in communities across the UK. They’re the places where artists take their first steps, where audiences find something new, and where the relationships that keep live music moving are built face to face. Music Venue Trust represents the grassroots music venue community and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing venues into the wider conversation about how we can work together to make more great shows happen.
There was a time when the music we now call iconic There was a time when the music we now call iconic sounded completely strange. Before it had a name, before anyone knew what to make of it, someone had to be willing to put it on in a room and let people decide for themselves. That’s how culture grows. Not perfectly, and not all at once. It needs somewhere to be strange, loud, experimental and unfinished. Somewhere people can hear something they’ve never heard before and think, what the hell is this? Then, sometimes, that strange thing becomes the sound of a generation. That’s what makes grassroots music venues so important; they give new ideas somewhere to land before they’re ready for anywhere else. The Supporters Circle is about being part of that. About taking a stake in the places where the next strange, brilliant thing gets its first chance. Because you never know what you’re standing in the room for, you just need to be there when it starts. Join the Supporters Circle from £5 a month via the 🔗 in our bio.
We are proud to see our Campaigns & Communications We are proud to see our Campaigns & Communications Manager, Toni, joining the judging panel for the UK Festival Awards 2026. Festivals are such an important part of the live music ecosystem, bringing artists and audiences together, creating opportunities and supporting the people, venues and communities that keep live music alive. Toni will be bringing her experience from across grassroots music to this year’s judging panel. Joining her on the panel will be voices from across the industry, helping recognise the festivals and teams making a real impact. Go Toni! 👏
Two events. Two purposes. One stronger grassroots Two events. Two purposes. One stronger grassroots music network. Grassroots Networking Day grew out of the agent and venue meetings that have been part of MVT’s Venues Day for many years. As those conversations grew, it became clear there was value in bringing together not just venue bookers and agents, but also promoters and festival programmers - giving the wider grassroots music community dedicated time to connect and build better shows. With Venues Day focused on the people who run grassroots music venues and Grassroots Networking Day focused on the people who make shows happen, both events now have their own space to do what they do best. 📅 13 October 2026 📍 229 London 🎟️ Tickets on sale now
THEY’RE LIVE! 🎟️ Tickets for ‘The Story Continued THEY’RE LIVE! 🎟️ Tickets for ‘The Story Continued’ tour are officially on sale NOW. Catch Natalie in Port Talbot, Windsor, Brighton, Peterborough, Tunbridge Wells and Stroud. 🫶 Grab yours now via the 🔗 in our bio. Which show are you coming to???
One of the highlights of last year is back. The A One of the highlights of last year is back. The Agent 1-2-1s give venue bookers, festival programmers and promoters the chance to sit down with agents, talk about the artists they represent and explore opportunities for future shows. A quickfire way to get conversations started, ideas moving and things done face to face - with the people who can help get great artists onto great stages. 📅 13 October 2026 📍 229 London 🎟️ Tickets are officially on sale now.
We all wish we could hold onto the things that mea We all wish we could hold onto the things that mean the most to us. But music has always understood that nothing stays the same forever. The songs we love change meaning as we get older. Places become part of our stories. A night you thought would be just another night somehow becomes one you’ll remember for years. That’s the strange thing about music. We know the moment won’t last, but we still give ourselves to it completely. Don’t wait until something is gone to realise what it meant to you. If grassroots music has been part of your life, you can be part of what it becomes next. Because the point isn’t to hold onto the past, it’s to make sure there’s more worth remembering. Take a stake in the culture that has given you something to remember. Join the Supporters Circle from £5 a month via the 🔗 in our bio.
Natalie Shay is hitting the road with ‘The Story C Natalie Shay is hitting the road with ‘The Story Continued’ tour 💘 This November, Natalie is heading to six grassroots music venues across the UK. Six towns. Six grassroots venues. Plenty of reasons to get out and see this indie pop magic live ✨ 📍 06.11 | Port Talbot | Afan Ales & Fine Wine
📍 08.11 | Windsor | Other Space Arts
📍 10.11 | Brighton | The Rossi Bar
📍 11.11 | Peterborough | Here We Aren’t
📍 12.11 | Tunbridge Wells | The Forum Basement
📍 14.11 | Stroud | The Prince Albert Tickets on sale this Wednesday at 10am!
A day with Scotland’s grassroots music community. A day with Scotland’s grassroots music community. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Team MVT headed to Edinburgh for a day of conversations, connections and, most importantly, listening to the people working across Scotland’s grassroots music venues. We started at People’s Leisure Club, bringing together venue representatives from across Scotland to hear what’s happening in their communities, what they need and how we can continue to support them. Later, we headed to The Jazz Bar, where the conversation grew to include musicians, cultural organisations and politicians, looking at what’s needed to protect and strengthen grassroots music across Scotland. Days like this matter. Being in the room, hearing directly from the people doing the work and bringing different parts of the community together helps shape what comes next. Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their experiences and made us feel so welcome. Scotland, we’ll see you again soon. ❤️
Music Venue Trust is looking for a highly organise Music Venue Trust is looking for a highly organised, capable and proactive Campaigns & Communications Support to support our Campaigns & Communications team. This is a varied role for someone who loves making things happen behind the scenes. You will work closely with our Campaigns & Communications Manager, providing administrative and practical support across campaigns, communications, newsletters, events and internal systems, while also supporting our Content Coordinator with the delivery of social media activity. We are looking for someone who is exceptionally organised, confident working across multiple projects and able to keep track of deadlines, information and detail. You don’t need to be a communications strategist, but you do need to understand how good organisation supports strong communications and campaigns. Based in MVT’s office in Shoreditch, this is a full-time role. Our preferred start date is 19 October 2026. Please state your earliest availability in your application. An early start would be particularly welcome. Salary: £28,860 Further info and application details via the 🔗 in our bio.
What does grassroots music mean to our newest Patr What does grassroots music mean to our newest Patrons? We’re incredibly proud to welcome Norman Cook, Ciaran Lavery, Jamie Cullum and Chris Hawkins as Patrons of Music Venue Trust. Each brings something very different to our work, but all four share a genuine commitment to grassroots music and the people and places that make it possible. Norman Cook brings the perspective of an artist with a decades-spanning career who has never lost sight of the grassroots. He has repeatedly shown up for venues, supporting Music Venue Properties purchase announcements at The Pipeline in Brighton and Gut Level in Sheffield, as well as lending his time and profile to fundraising and campaigning for the sector. Ciaran Lavery has already stood alongside us in Northern Ireland, supporting our first event at Stormont and speaking directly to stakeholders about the challenges facing Northern Irish grassroots music venues. Having artists willing to bring their lived experience into those rooms is an incredibly important part of making the case for change. This year, we’ve also been talking a lot about the vital relationship between jazz and grassroots music venues. For many jazz musicians, the grassroots circuit isn’t simply a stepping stone to somewhere else. It can be the foundation of a healthy, sustainable touring career. To have an artist as esteemed as Jamie Cullum wanting to lend his voice, time and music to support grassroots music venues is a dream, and we’re very excited about what we’ll be doing together. And last, but certainly not least, Chris Hawkins is a broadcaster with his heart firmly in the grassroots. Through his work at the BBC and beyond, Chris consistently uses his platform to champion grassroots artists, venues and the people behind them. He understands the importance of giving new music a platform, but also the infrastructure that needs to exist for that music to be discovered, performed and sustained. He is a tireless advocate for the sector, and we’re very proud to have him alongside us. Four Patrons. Four very different perspectives. One shared belief that grassroots music is worth fighting for. Swipe to hear from them in their own words.
From pilot to year two - and we’re making it bigge From pilot to year two - and we’re making it bigger. Grassroots Networking Day began in 2025 as a partnership between MVT, AIF and AIP. This year, we’re building on that first edition with TEAA joining as a new partner, helping us bring even more agents, genres and perspectives into the room. The aim is simple: to make Grassroots Networking Day even more useful, more connected and more effective for the people working across grassroots live music. 📅 13 October 2026 📍 229 London 🎟️ Tickets on sale now
Music Venue Trust (MVT) welcomes today’s announcem Music Venue Trust (MVT) welcomes today’s announcement by the Welsh Government of a permanent 30% business rates cut for eligible hospitality and leisure venues, taking effect on 1 April 2027. The explicit inclusion of live music venues in this permanent statutory support scheme provides long-term planning certainty for venue operators across Wales after years of temporary relief measures. Moving from the current temporary 15% relief scheme to a permanent 30% reduction is a positive step forward. Crucially, 91.5% of Grassroots Music Venues in our Welsh membership fall below the £51,000 Rateable Value (RV) threshold and stand to benefit directly from this relief. However, MVT remains concerned about the 8.5% of member venues excluded by the £51,000 RV cap. Mid-scale venues serve as essential regional hubs within the Welsh live music ecosystem, yet they face paying full business rates without relief. Furthermore, while a 30% reduction improves operational stability, it does not fully restore the protection previously offered by the 75% relief scheme, nor does it address the underlying issue of how cultural spaces are valued for business rates. MVT looks forward to engaging with the Welsh Government. We will continue to advocate for a dedicated Cultural Premises Classification and champion taper mechanisms for venues with Rateable Values between £51,000 and £75,000 to prevent sharp “cliff-edges” for key regional cultural hubs.
Four more people standing up for grassroots music Four more people standing up for grassroots music Welcome to our newest MVT Patrons: Norman Cook, Jamie Cullum, Chris Hawkins and Ciaran Lavery. We’re very glad to have you in our corner. 🔗 in bio for more info
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Music Venue Trust is with Association of Independent Promoters and 6 others.
1 day ago
Music Venue Trust

Agents are the people who help artists find the right opportunities, connecting them with venues, promoters and festivals to build shows and develop careers.

They know their artists inside out - where they belong, who their audience is and which opportunities could take them to the next stage. They build relationships across the live music ecosystem that can turn a conversation into a show, and a show into the next opportunity.

The Entertainment Agents’ Association represents agents across the UK and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing the experience and perspective of agents into the room alongside the rest of the live music ecosystem. ... See MoreSee Less

Agents are the people who help artists find the right opportunities, connecting them with venues, promoters and festivals to build shows and develop careers. They know their artists inside out - where they belong, who their audience is and which opportunities could take them to the next stage. They build relationships across the live music ecosystem that can turn a conversation into a show, and a show into the next opportunity. The Entertainment Agents’ Association represents agents across the UK and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing the experience and perspective of agents into the room alongside the rest of the live music ecosystem.
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Music Venue Trust is with Association of Independent Promoters and 6 others.
4 days ago
Music Venue Trust

Promoters are the people who bring the different pieces of a live show together - finding the artists, working with venues, building audiences and taking the leap on making a show happen.

They work across the whole grassroots ecosystem, connecting artists, agents, venues and audiences and often taking the risks that come with putting on a show. They’re the people who turn an idea into a night people can actually walk into - and who help artists find their audiences, build their careers and keep coming back to the stage.

The Association of Independent Promoters represents independent promoters across the UK and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing their experience and perspective into the room alongside the rest of the live music ecosystem. ... See MoreSee Less

Promoters are the people who bring the different pieces of a live show together - finding the artists, working with venues, building audiences and taking the leap on making a show happen. They work across the whole grassroots ecosystem, connecting artists, agents, venues and audiences and often taking the risks that come with putting on a show. They’re the people who turn an idea into a night people can actually walk into - and who help artists find their audiences, build their careers and keep coming back to the stage. The Association of Independent Promoters represents independent promoters across the UK and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing their experience and perspective into the room alongside the rest of the live music ecosystem.
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Music Venue Trust is with Lee London Photography and 3 others.
5 days ago
Music Venue Trust

For years, the fight for grassroots music venues has been about making sure they are still here, and that fight still matters. But when you spend years fighting for something you love, eventually you want more than to know it survived.

You want to see it flourish.

That's where Music Venue Trust is now. We still protect grassroots music venues when they need us. But now we get to invest in what they can become; putting real resources into the places at the heart of our music culture and giving them the chance to grow stronger, better and more ambitious.

It's a shift from asking “how do we keep this alive?” to asking “what could this become if we gave it what it needs?” And that's an exciting place to be.

The future of grassroots music shouldn't just be something we protect, it should be something we get to shape. We're already doing it. The investment MVT is making in grassroots music venues in 2026 is helping move the network beyond simply surviving - towards better spaces, stronger venues and a more ambitious future.

The Supporters Circle is how you become part of that work. From £5 a month, you can become a venue activist and help turn protection into progress.

We've spent years fighting to keep these places here. Now we get to build the future they deserve.

Join the Supporters Circle via the 🔗 in our bio or at: www.musicvenuetrust.com/donate/support-mvt/

📸 Alfie Bungay
📸 Alana Paris
📸 Chris Griffiths
📸 Jamie Chapman
📸 Lee London
📸 Reanne McArthur ... See MoreSee Less

For years, the fight for grassroots music venues has been about making sure they are still here, and that fight still matters. But when you spend years fighting for something you love, eventually you want more than to know it survived. You want to see it flourish. Thats where Music Venue Trust is now. We still protect grassroots music venues when they need us. But now we get to invest in what they can become; putting real resources into the places at the heart of our music culture and giving them the chance to grow stronger, better and more ambitious. Its a shift from asking “how do we keep this alive?” to asking “what could this become if we gave it what it needs?” And thats an exciting place to be. The future of grassroots music shouldnt just be something we protect, it should be something we get to shape. Were already doing it. The investment MVT is making in grassroots music venues in 2026 is helping move the network beyond simply surviving - towards better spaces, stronger venues and a more ambitious future. The Supporters Circle is how you become part of that work. From £5 a month, you can become a venue activist and help turn protection into progress. Weve spent years fighting to keep these places here. Now we get to build the future they deserve. Join the Supporters Circle via the 🔗 in our bio or at: https://www.musicvenuetrust.com/donate/support-mvt/ 📸 Alfie Bungay 📸 Alana Paris 📸 Chris Griffiths 📸 Jamie Chapman 📸 Lee London 📸 Reanne McArthur
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Music Venue Trust and FOCUS Wales — with Norwegian Church Arts Centre and 2 others.
6 days ago
Music Venue Trust

Listening, learning and connecting with Wales’ grassroots music community. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Team MVT headed to Wales to spend time with the people at the heart of its grassroots music venues, bringing the community together to talk, share experiences and look at what’s happening across the sector.

The day created space for venue representatives to speak openly about what they’re experiencing, what they need and what needs to happen next.

That direct conversation matters. The numbers help us understand the bigger picture, but hearing from the people running these spaces every day gives those numbers context and helps make sure our work reflects what’s actually happening on the ground.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and shared so openly.

We’ll keep listening, keep showing up and keep fighting for a stronger future for grassroots music in Wales. ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

Listening, learning and connecting with Wales’ grassroots music community. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Team MVT headed to Wales to spend time with the people at the heart of its grassroots music venues, bringing the community together to talk, share experiences and look at what’s happening across the sector. The day created space for venue representatives to speak openly about what they’re experiencing, what they need and what needs to happen next. That direct conversation matters. The numbers help us understand the bigger picture, but hearing from the people running these spaces every day gives those numbers context and helps make sure our work reflects what’s actually happening on the ground. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and shared so openly. We’ll keep listening, keep showing up and keep fighting for a stronger future for grassroots music in Wales. ❤️Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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Music Venue Trust is with Association of Independent Promoters and 6 others.
6 days ago
Music Venue Trust

Grassroots music venues are where the shows happen - but making those shows happen takes a whole ecosystem.

Venues work with agents, promoters and festivals constantly to find the right artists, build great bills and create opportunities for live music in communities across the UK. They’re the places where artists take their first steps, where audiences find something new, and where the relationships that keep live music moving are built face to face.

Music Venue Trust represents the grassroots music venue community and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing venues into the wider conversation about how we can work together to make more great shows happen. ... See MoreSee Less

Grassroots music venues are where the shows happen - but making those shows happen takes a whole ecosystem. Venues work with agents, promoters and festivals constantly to find the right artists, build great bills and create opportunities for live music in communities across the UK. They’re the places where artists take their first steps, where audiences find something new, and where the relationships that keep live music moving are built face to face. Music Venue Trust represents the grassroots music venue community and is one of the organisations behind Grassroots Networking Day, bringing venues into the wider conversation about how we can work together to make more great shows happen.
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  • likes love 16
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Music Venue Trust is a charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales, registration no: 1159846.
Music Venue Trust (Scotland) is a charity registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator: Charity Number SC052001
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