Results for: Music Venue Trust

The Music Venue Trust (MVT) has criticized comments made by the executive director of Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena, Gary Roden, regarding grassroots music venues. Roden stated that some smaller venues in the UK are “poorly run” and dismissed calls for a £1 ticket levy on all gigs arena-sized and above. MVT CEO Mark Davyd called Roden’s comments “disrespectful and disingenuous,” highlighting the irony of such remarks on the week that Co-Op Live’s own launch was postponed due to logistical issues. Davyd emphasized that grassroots venues face significant challenges and require direct investment for talent development, not training programs.

The Independent, in collaboration with the Music Venue Trust (MVT), has launched Main Stage, an initiative to support and promote grassroots music venues in the United Kingdom. Grassroots music venues are crucial for fostering emerging talent, but the sector has been facing significant challenges. The Independent aims to highlight and support these venues through Main Stage, which will feature one venue from each of the UK’s 12 regions. Each venue will receive funding, promotion, and media coverage, as well as the opportunity to showcase local artists and contribute to the UK’s vibrant music scene.