The Music Venue Trust has released its annual report indicating that 175 towns and cities in the UK, home to approximately 25 million residents, no longer receive regular touring shows from professional artists. The report highlights that the grassroots music sector contributes over £500 million annually to the UK economy but remains structurally fragile, with venues operating at an average profit margin of just 2.5%.
Currently, the UK grassroots music venue (GMV) sector consists of 801 venues across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The report states that more than half (53%) of these venues reported no profit in 2025, leading to a loss of 6,000 jobs, representing a 19% contraction in the workforce. The charity has described the current tax burdens as unsustainable.
In 2026, the introduction of Grassroots Levy funding, derived from a £1 charge on arena and stadium tickets, is expected to support targeted initiatives aimed at revitalizing the sector. However, the report notes that significant damage has already occurred, with many GMVs now operating without major promoter activity, effectively disconnecting them from the professional touring economy.
The analysis reveals that 59% of GMVs, totaling 475 venues, lack major promoter involvement, resulting in reduced access to national touring artists for audiences in over 175 towns and cities. The primary and secondary touring circuits are now largely limited to major urban centers such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
To address these challenges, the Music Venue Trust has outlined a comprehensive plan that includes expanding its Venue Support Team and Emergency Hardship Relief Fund, along with a £2 million investment into various initiatives aimed at improving venue sustainability and operational efficiency. A key component of this plan is the development of Liveline, a national touring program designed to reconnect artists with audiences in excluded towns.
The report also calls for government action, including tax reform, legal protections for venues, and the establishment of a permanent Live Music Commission to support the grassroots music sector. The Music Venue Trust emphasizes the need for structural reform and leadership to recognize grassroots venues as essential national infrastructure.