Grassroots music venues pushed to the brink as closures mount across the country

Industry sounds alarm over survival of grassroots sector

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More than half of grassroots music venues (GMVs) did not make any profit in 2025 according to figures from the Music Venue Trust (MVT).

The industry body published its annual report for 2025 on Wednesday which highlighted that, despite contributing more than half a billion pounds to the UK economy, 30 grassroots music venues have permanently closed over the past year with 6,000 (19.8 per cent) roles cut - the sharpest drop since the trust began collecting annual data.

It also reported that the national touring circuit has shrunk with 175 UK towns and cities no longer receiving regular touring shows by professional artists.

MVT has cited the UK Government's changes to national insurance and business rates as a factor that has caused many venues to struggle over the past year and proposed plans to help inject more money and support into the sector.