London is buzzing with excitement as venues celebrate a major change in support for local live music. The Government has agreed to a plan that will add a small fee to tickets for big concerts. This fee will help smaller music venues that have struggled recently.
The Government believes this ticket fee is the fastest way to get money from large shows to support smaller venues. Many of these smaller places have faced tough times due to the pandemic and rising costs. Last year, 125 venues closed across the UK, the worst year for closures in a decade.
Venues in London are hopeful that this new plan will help protect the city’s vibrant music scene. Paul Michelmore, who runs The Harrison, a popular folk venue, said that the levy is necessary for the music community. He emphasized that the sooner it happens, the better it will be for everyone involved.
Michelmore shared that his venue barely survived after having to pay a large back rent from the pandemic. He pointed out that if the UK wants to keep producing top artists, it needs to support the smaller venues where these artists start their journeys.
Many venues are currently struggling to stay open, with staff working for free and relying on savings. Tim Perry from The Windmill in Brixton noted that while more people are attending shows, the money coming in is less. He believes that ticket prices are rising, making it harder for fans to enjoy live music.
The news of the levy has also been welcomed by staff at Rough Trade, who run record stores and gigs. They believe that directing funds to smaller venues will help new talent grow and keep live music diverse and accessible for all.
The Music Venue Trust has praised the Government’s decision, calling it a significant shift in how the music industry supports new talent. They are eager to see how and when this support will be felt in the grassroots music scene.
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