The UK lost a grassroots music venue every fortnight in 2024, report finds

A grassroots music venue was shuttered every two weeks in 2024, according to figures from the Music Venue Trust (MVT).

CEO Mark David presented the findings from MVT's Annual Report 2024 at the Houses of Parliament on Thursday (January 23), declaring: "25 venues closed in 2024," adding "We are not acting fast enough on these things it's as simple as that."

The report includes the latest facts and figures regarding grassroots music venues, the obstacles they face and what's needed to keep these spaces alive.

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Other findings detail the scale of issues facing venues, with 80 reporting having stopped hosting live music events and over 200 having been forced to seek emergency help from MVT.

The MVT said on Bluesky that in presenting its annual report, it would "unpack on four decades of touring decline" and discuss future steps needed to "protect a sector worth over £500 million annually that represents over 30,000 jobs."

British singer Kate Nash was invited to perform and make a speech at the event, who according to NME, described the cost of touring as “a fucking disgrace”.

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The publishing of the report comes following news that 84% of UK independent artists can’t afford to tour in 2025, according to figures from a new global survey of 1,500 global artists.

The survey found that 70.6% of artists predominantly fund their careers through personal savings, highlighting the huge difficulties faced by independent artists from working-class backgrounds who do not have the resources available to take a financial hit in a bid to boost their careers.

You can read the Music Venue Trust Annual Report 2024 here.

Henrietta Taylor is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter