Budget leaves UK gig industry facing 'complete collapse'

TOURS by new bands to hone their craft could soon be a thing of the past without urgent action to address a £7million hammer blow delivered by Rachel Reeves's Budget.

- Paul Jeeves

Campaigners warn the grassroots circuit of small venues faces "complete collapse" as hundreds more are threatened with closure.

Bands such as The Beatles, Oasis and Coldplay made it to the big time after learning the ropes on the road.

But last year a record 125 venues shut and the Music Venue Trust is braced for much worse next year due to Labour slashing the 75% business rate relief to 40%.

The charity says the drop means these often struggling businesses need to find an extra £7million.

It claims over 350 face immediate risk of closure, threatening more than 12,000 jobs, over £250million in economic activity and the loss of over 75,000 live music events.