Music venues' call for help in survival fight

MORE than three-in-20 grassroots music venues have closed across the UK in the last year, according to an industry body - as venues in Manchester plead with the government for more help.

- ETHAN DAVIES

The Music Venue Trust has revealed the startling statistic that 15.7 per cent of small venues have closed for good over the last 12 months. The 125 closures, it says, means 4,000 jobs, 14,250 events, 193,230 performance opportunities, £9m of income for musicians, and £59m in direct economic activity has been lost.

The news has come to light in an open letter sent by the Trust to Jeremy Hunt, asking the Chancellor to extend an existing 75pc business rate relief beyond April 2024 in the autumn statement. For its part, the Treasury says it 'recognise the challenges music venues face!