UK Government announce huge new policy to support grassroots music venues

As of today; after years of campaigning from various corners of the sector, most notably from the Music Venue Trust (MVT); it is official UK Government policy that that every ticket sold at an arena or stadium should contain a financial contribution that supports grassroots music venues, artists and promoters.

This is, as the MVT has stated today on their social media, "The single most significant shift in over fifty years of British music." It is a true light of the end of the tunnel moment for grassroots venues, and the money raised from the policy will be a lifeline for many a small venue, upcoming artist, or burgeoning promoter, that is much needed in such uncertain times for the industry. 

Find out more of what the Music Venue Trust said in their statement below

In their post across social media today, the Music Venue Trust stated: "The Government’s response is so robust and unequivocal in its support for our grassroots music venues, artists and promoters, that it is now a question of HOW and WHEN the grassroots ticketing contribution from stadium and arenas is enacted, and not if. 

"The ball is firmly in the court of the music industry to quickly and voluntarily establish the mechanisms for delivering the grassroots ticketing contribution. MVT is at the centre of those discussions and having daily conversations with the individuals at the very top of the industry. And the message is clear - get around the table and get this done or expect a statutory levy."

"There are many other elements to the CMS Select Committee Report which, together, create a viable, thriving, economically sustainable grassroots ecosystem. Action on Business Rates is coming, discussion on protections in planning, development and licensing for venues are ongoing. And we have not given up on the issue of VAT rates on tickets - still the highest of any similar music making country in the world. 

"We are working with DCMS, meeting with Government, and engaging individual MPs to continue to push on opportunities for change which can create a supportive framework for grassroots venues, artists and promoters and not one that penalises them for their work. 

"Thank you to everyone who wrote letters to their MPs, supported our campaigns, posted, tagged, shouted or just simply told someone that this actually matters to our live music community. 

"We can be confident that from April 2026 the operating climate for GMVs will have dramatically improved. Music Venue Trust is now laser focused on the challenges of the next 18 months, the period before this long needed help can really arrive. 

"Grassroots Music Venues can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now all we need to do is make sure that we get all of them over these immediate obstacles and out into that bright future. 

"The next 18 months will be tough. We all know that and we are ready for that challenge. Thank you for all your incredible support to get to this place. Please keep supporting your local venue and supporting our work. Together we have actually changed things for the better and together we can achieve much much more. 

"People who say it cannot be done should get out of the way of people doing it.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.