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UK Music Venues

Have Your Say: The Music Fans’ Voice Survey Is Your Chance to Shape the Future of Live Music in the UK

Posted on 25 February 2025

The Live Music Industry Is at a Crossroads—Your Voice Matters

Live music in the UK is at a breaking point. Years of uncertainty, relentless financial pressure, and a system that often seems to prioritise profit over people have left the industry in a precarious position. After Covid-19 forced venues into extended closures, many never recovered. Those that did are now struggling to stay afloat amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Skyrocketing ticket prices, venue closures, the suffocating grip of dynamic pricing, and ongoing concerns over safety and accessibility have made it harder than ever for fans to support the artists and venues they love.

This is where the Music Fans’ Voice Survey comes in. Unlike the usual industry-led discussions that happen behind closed doors, this initiative is putting fans at the centre of the conversation. Whether you’re fed up with exploitative ticketing practices, struggling to afford gigs, concerned about venue sustainability, or have strong views on accessibility, now’s your chance to be heard.

With high-profile backing from names like Danny Dyer, Edgar Wright, Matt Smith, Kate Nash, Soft Play, Lambrini Girls, and many more, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for live music lovers to shape the future of the industry. But there’s a deadline—the survey is only open until 3 March. If you want your voice to count, now is the time to speak up.

👉 Take the survey now at MusicFansVoice.uk.

Why You Should Fill in the Survey

For too long, fans have been treated as an afterthought in conversations about live music. Decisions about pricing, venue closures, and industry policy are often made without the input of the people who actually keep the sector alive. The Music Fans’ Voice Survey is changing that.

This survey isn’t just a token gesture. It’s part of a wider effort to give fans a data-driven seat at the table, following in the footsteps of the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance. The findings will be used to influence decision-making at government level, within the music industry, and across city regions, ensuring that the future of live music isn’t dictated solely by industry giants and corporate interests.

Commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Mayor of London, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Cardiff City Council, Belfast City Council, and Glasgow Music City, this initiative has support from some of the UK’s most influential cultural and political bodies. They’ve recognised that fans aren’t just passive consumers—they are the backbone of the industry, and their concerns need to be addressed.

By taking the survey, you can highlight the issues that matter most to you, from:

🎟️ Ticketing and pricing – Are you being priced out of gigs? Are dynamic pricing models exploiting fans?

🏢 Venue sustainability – How can we protect grassroots venues from closure?

♿ Accessibility – Are live music spaces truly inclusive?

🎤 Safety concerns – Are venues doing enough to create safe environments for fans?

Your input will shape policies that directly impact the future of live music. If you’ve ever felt like your concerns have been ignored, now’s the time to make sure they aren’t.

👉 Take part before the 3 March deadline at MusicFansVoice.uk.

The Harsh Reality of Live Music in the UK Right Now

Live music in the UK isn’t just facing challenges—it’s in crisis mode. While mainstream festivals and major touring acts continue to thrive, the infrastructure that supports grassroots and mid-level live music is crumbling. More than 125 grassroots music venues closed in 2023 alone, with industry bodies warning that dozens more are on the brink. The Music Venue Trust has repeatedly highlighted that without urgent intervention, small venues—which serve as vital incubators for emerging artists—may not survive.

For fans, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to attend gigs at all. The rise of dynamic pricing has pushed tickets for major tours into unaffordable territory, while the cost-of-living crisis has left many unable to justify spending on live events. Transport issues, poor accessibility, and a lack of investment in smaller venues have also created unnecessary barriers for those who want to support the industry but feel shut out.

Even beyond affordability, safety remains a pressing issue. Reports of spiking, harassment, and poor security measures at venues have made live music environments feel unsafe for many. Fans have a right to demand better, and the Music Fans’ Voice Survey provides the perfect platform to do so.

Governments, councils, and industry leaders need to hear directly from fans about what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change. This is your chance to make sure those in power can’t ignore the realities facing music lovers across the UK.

👉 Fill in the survey now at MusicFansVoice.uk.

A Rare Opportunity for Fans to Have a Say

The Music Fans’ Voice Survey has already gained support from influential figures, but for it to have real impact, it needs as many responses as possible. High-profile names backing the initiative—from actors like Danny Dyer and Matt Smith to musicians like Soft Play and Kate Nash—have helped bring attention to the cause. Now, it’s up to fans to make sure their collective voice is heard loud and clear.

With councils and combined authorities across the UK throwing their weight behind this survey, the findings will be impossible to ignore. Whether it’s Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester Mayor) calling for greater protection of grassroots venues, Sadiq Khan (London Mayor) recognising the economic and cultural value of live music, or Steve Rotheram (Liverpool City Region Mayor) urging fans to highlight ticketing concerns, the momentum for change is growing.

As Katie Duffy from Glasgow’s UNESCO City of Music put it, “Live music is part of our city’s identity… we also know how vital our audiences are in keeping this ecosystem thriving.” Fans aren’t just spectators—they’re the ones who make live music possible. If the industry is going to be rebuilt in a way that benefits both artists and audiences, it needs direct input from the people who experience it first-hand.

Don’t Let This Chance Pass You By—Fill in the Survey Today

Opportunities like this don’t come around often. This first-of-its-kind initiative is a real chance to influence the future of live music in the UK, but only if fans take the time to share their views. Whether you’re passionate about keeping ticket prices fair, ensuring venues remain open, improving accessibility, or making live music safer for everyone, your input matters.

The deadline is 3 March. If you care about live music, don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation.

👉 Head to MusicFansVoice.uk and complete the survey today.

Article by Amelia Vandergast

Independent Venue Week: Is IV24 An Exercise of Futility?

Posted on 12 January 2024

Following the announcement from Music Venues Trust (MVT) which disparagingly revealed that 2023 was the worst year for UK venue closures after 125 venues showcased their last performance, 4,000 jobs were lost, and 14,500 events were cancelled, there is growing speculation over whether Independent Venue Week (IVW) can make a modicum of difference to the 80 music venues which are currently in crisis. This crisis is exacerbated by the cost of living, high rent rates, and increased utility costs. The Trust’s CEO, Mark Davyd, has called for “radical intervention” from the government, the music industry, artists, and fans to prevent further closures.

Is IVW24 An Exercise in Virtue-Swathed Futility?

IVW24 is set to take place from the 29^th of January to the 4^th of February. Once again, it is being marked as a seven-day celebration of music venues up and down the UK and the people who tirelessly attempt to keep them afloat.

But is it really anything more than attaching the IVW logo to gig posters for events scheduled to take place in the IVW timeframe? Is it enough to convince music fans to come out in droves to see up-and-coming and established bands? I, for one, am struggling to see the impact that Independent Venue Week will have on ticket sales. Even though I would love to see the initiative have a profound effect and give venue owners a reprieve from their financial anxiety, optimism is in short supply in the wake of the 193,230 opportunities that were lost for musicians through the closure of venues in 2023.

Sure, IVW has developed a line of merchandise. Even though there is absolutely no indication that purchasing one of the t-shirts will contribute to the rising costs of keeping the lights on and the PAs plugged in at music venues. And Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq will be taking their BBC 6 Shows on the road, but it feels as though the music industry is going to need to put a far juicier carrot on the end of the stick to amp up the enthusiasm to purchase gig tickets. Stephens and Lamacq’s tour is a step towards raising awareness and support for these venues, but it underscores the need for more substantial and sustained efforts to safeguard the future of the UK’s music ecosystem.

“IVW is nothing more than an opportunity to promote big acts, not independent music. As a volunteer at an IVW event, I was treated poorly, working tirelessly without even so much as a bottle of water in return, meanwhile the venue staff didn’t get paid for the extra hours put in – so much for celebrating them. Every year it gets more contrived.” – anonymous

With music fans more mindful of their budget than ever before given that there is no end to the cost-of-living crisis in sight, it is somewhat naïve to expect this event can even make a dent in the financial strain felt by independent music venues.

What is Independent Venue Week?

Independent Music Venue Week is a celebration of the spirit and uniqueness of independent music venues. It’s akin to a week-long festival, but instead of being confined to one location, it sprawls across the UK’s independent music venues, showcasing their importance and the diverse talent they support.

Origins and Evolution:

Inception (2014): IVW was launched in 2014. The idea was to shine a spotlight on the heroes who own and run these venues. It’s a nod to the places that often serve as the nurturing grounds for musicians, offering them their first stages and helping to shape their careers.

Growth and Development: Over the years, IVW has grown significantly. From a handful of venues in its early days, it has expanded to include hundreds of venues across the UK. Each year, the event sees a series of gigs and talks taking place over a week, usually at the end of January or the beginning of February. This timing is strategic, as it falls at a quieter time of the year for these venues, giving them a much-needed boost.

Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the live music scene. IVW adapted by incorporating virtual events and fundraising efforts to support struggling venues. This period highlighted the fragility of independent venues and galvanized public and industry support for them.

Key Figures and Involvement:

Sybil Bell: The founder of IVW, Sybil Bell, has been a crucial figure in the initiative. Her vision and dedication have been instrumental in driving the event forward and raising awareness about the importance of independent venues.

Artists and Bands: Each year, a mix of well-known and emerging artists participate in IVW. These artists often have a personal connection to these venues, having started their careers on similar stages. Their involvement brings attention and crowds, vital for the venues’ survival.

Partnerships and Support: IVW has garnered support from various organizations, including Arts Council England. Partnerships with music industry bodies, media, and sponsors have helped in amplifying its impact.

Government Recognition: The initiative has also previously received acknowledgement from the UK government, highlighting its cultural significance and the need for supporting grassroots music venues.

In Conclusion

To truly make a difference, IVW and similar initiatives must go beyond annual celebrations and become part of a larger, concerted effort to address the financial and structural challenges facing independent music venues. This could include advocating for policy changes, creating sustainable funding models, and fostering a culture of continuous support from the music community and the public. Only through such comprehensive and ongoing efforts can the decline of these cultural hubs be halted and reversed.

For more music news, keep following our blog, which has recently been voted by Vuelio as one of the top 10 UK music blogs in 2024. We always have room to feature new music from up-and-coming artists and help them cut through the oversaturated static. Submit new music today.

Article by Amelia Vandergast