Live performances at grassroots music venue down 17% since 2019 – report
A new survey has revealed that the number of live music performances at grassroots music venues has dropped by nearly 17% since 2019.
Figures from the Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents nearly 1,000 UK local music venues, show that audience numbers have also fallen by 11% over that period.
The MVT 2022 annual report says 177,000 events were held last year, with 565,000 individual performances attracting nearly 22 million spectators.
This is a 16.7% decline over the past three years, which MVT attributed to locations making significant cuts to keep operating efficiently.
The report also determines that by 2022, the average grassroots music venue capacity is 308, of which 40% is used per event, and that translates to an average of 124 spectators per event.
MVT says this is down 11% from 2019 when average capacity was 51%.
Mark Davyd, chief executive of MVT, said the figures showed the need to “recall the precarious financial situation” that much of the sector still faces post-pandemic.
He said: “Clearly we are pleased to highlight the fact that grassroots music venues contribute more than half a billion pounds to the UK economy and underline the enormous impact they have on lives. cultural life of our country.
“But it’s also important to reiterate the precarious financial situation that much of the sector is still in – the economy just doesn’t stack up anymore.”
Following the release of its 2022 report, the organization called for further support from both the Government and the broader music industry.
MVT has called for a review of the VAT on ticket sales in what it says is the “economic crushing” of the industry, as well as a review of what it calls “excessive and excessive” business rates. anticompetitive”.
We need a coherent long-term economic plan that acknowledges the importance of what our members do and gives them the opportunity to continue to nurture growing artists and contribute to the local community. their sideMark Davyd, CEO of MVT
In addition, the organization has outlined plans to ensure all new arenas opening in the UK help protect the broader music ecosystem by investing a percentage of every ticket they sell. into the grassroots music ecosystem.
It has made a direct request to the City of Manchester, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Manchester City Council and all Manchester MPs to ensure that the new Co-op Live Arena has a capacity of 23,500 people. , which is expected to open in Manchester later this year, pledges its commitment to the initiative.
Video of the day
“We cannot continue to build more and more arenas without a plan for how to fill the stages they create in 5, 10 or 20 years time and without these new facilities contributing to the future. part of protecting the underlying ecosystem,” said Mr. Davyd.
“The threat is real: we need more from the music industry and we need it now, or else the current crisis will soon become the ultimate decline for locations. venues, employees, artists, and their audiences.”
He added: “We need a consistent long-term economic plan that recognizes the importance of what our members do and gives them the opportunity to continue to nurture growing and evolving artists. contribute to their local community.”
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/grassroots-music-venue-live-performances-have-fallen-by-17-since-2019-report-42320397.html Live performances at grassroots music venue down 17% since 2019 – report
