Fears for Sussex music venues as inquiry starts
125 closed down nationwide last year alone
In a significant blow to the live music scene, the UK witnessed a net loss of 125 grassroots music venues (GMVs) last year, amounting to over a tenth of the sector.
GMVs serve as vital platforms for emerging bands and music professionals, offering rehearsal spaces, educational opportunities, and hosting cultural productions.
To address this crisis, a short inquiry has been launched to examine the challenges GMVs face, propose interventions to prevent further closures, and enhance the evidence base for future action.
We've been speaking to the owner of Patterns in Brighton which is one venue that supports new and upcoming local artists and musicians. Adam Taylor told us why so many have closed down:
"Any kind of loss to a sector like ours is disappointing, but I can't say it's surprising. As costs are going up it really feels like we're getting squeezed from all sides.
"Energy bills are going up, the cost of alcohol is going up. We're in a place where all of our costs are going up and that's not just affecting us, that's affecting the bands."
Speaking on the important role grassroots venues have on culture, Adam said:
"Live music venues are one of the most accessible forms of culture for young people in any town. It gives them a place where they can go and spend time with like minded people and find out what they like.
"There needs to be more value put into the importance of what music venues do and their cultural significance.
"10 years ago you would bands doing 30 day tours around the UK. Now they might do 4 or 5 days in the main cities. They're not going to come to you smaller or more minor cities like Brighton."
The inquiry is currently accepting submissions from stakeholders and aims to safeguard the future of these essential cultural hubs.