Venue Watch: Fighting for the UK’s grassroots music venues

The Big Issue’s Venue Watch campaign supports and champions grassroots music venues across the UK. 

Every night in towns and cities all over the country, thousands of fans cluster round hundreds of stages to experience the thrill of live music. These venues offer employment to tens of thousands of people. Incubators of talent, they play a vital role in securing the future of music and UK culture. They’re essential to ensure access to music is for the many and not the few.

Grassroots music venues are at the heart of their communities. They boost local businesses by attracting locals, visitors and tourists, contributing to a vibrant night-time economy. 

But they are under threat. In the last 12 months, the UK lost almost 16% of its grassroots music venues.

The Big Issue believes in equality and opportunity in the arts, so we are fighting to save these crucial cultural institutions.

Support music. Support your local venue. Join Venue Watch.