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March 2025 - Culture and Heritage

Report reveals 40% of grassroots music venues operated at a loss in 2024: A survey of more than 800 grassroots music venues has revealed that over one in four (43.8%) operated at a loss in 2024. According to the Music Venue Trust’s (MVT) annual report, despite welcoming audiences in excess of 19 million, and making combined contributions of over £525m to the UK economy, grassroots venues still struggled to turn a profit last year with an average profit margin of just 0.48%.

MVT is a registered UK charity which aims to protect and secure the long-term future of grassroots music venues of all sizes across the United Kingdom. Their annual report is compiled through an in-depth and comprehensive survey of the +800 members of the Music Venues Alliance (MVA) – the largest network of Grassroots Music Venues in the UK which is served and supported by MVT.

The MVT’s 2024 annual report marks a disappointing year-on-year decline in average audience visits (down 15.4% since 2023) and events held per venue (down 12.5% since 2023), both cited as contributing factors in the average reported losses of over £198k per site. The impact of declining tour dates and reductions in circuit stops is also noted, with many major towns and cities such as Bath, Hull and York no longer featuring in primary and secondary touring circuits.

The research also highlights how despite a positive slow-down in venue closure rates year on year (with 25 member venues closing in 2024 compared to over 125 in the first eight months of 2023 alone), the MVT experienced a significant 18.9% increase in venues reaching out to its emergency response service in 2024. This may indicate a wider struggle is being felt across the sector than in previous years.

In addition to shining a light on the challenges and mounting financial pressures experienced by grassroots music venues today, the report also serves to highlight the positive action that is being taken to support the sector. This includes work on a proposed ticket levy for stadium and arena level tours to generate funds for grassroots venues, supported by Arts Minister Chris Bryant. Reflecting on the report, MVT CEO called for a focus on “positive, practical interventions in the real world” over the next 12 months to both protect and encourage grassroots venues, enabling them to thrive. 

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