The Music Venue Trust (MVT) has released its annual report, indicating a potential recovery in the UK’s grassroots music venues (GMVs) sector. The report highlights that while audiences are returning and more gigs are being staged, the financial stability of many venues remains precarious. In 2025, 30 venues permanently closed, and 48 ceased operating as grassroots music venues, but 69 new or revived spaces joined the network, suggesting a slowdown in overall decline.
Despite the increase in activity compared to the post-pandemic years of 2023 and 2024, over half of grassroots music venues reported no profit in 2025, with an average profit margin of just 2.5%. Many venues continue to rely on bar sales and food to subsidize live music events.
The report also noted a significant job loss in the sector, with nearly 6,000 jobs (a 19% contraction) lost in one year, attributed to changes in national insurance contribution thresholds. This decline primarily affected younger workers aged 18 to 25, who often hold multiple low-paid jobs across different venues.
Furthermore, the report indicates a retreat of the national touring circuit into major cities, leaving 175 towns and cities without regular visits from professional touring artists. The MVT is actively working to address these challenges through emergency grants and new touring schemes.
Overall, while there are signs of recovery, the MVT emphasizes the need for supportive government policies to ensure the long-term viability of grassroots music venues in the UK.
