A growing number of UK music venues are offering accommodation to touring acts, a move that could transform the financial viability of grassroots tours. The Music Venue Trust (MVT) recently announced funding initiatives to convert unused spaces into rooms for musicians, addressing the high cost of lodging that often derails smaller tours.
Why Accommodation Matters
Rising fuel prices and the cost of living crisis have made touring increasingly precarious for emerging artists. Mark Davyd, chief executive of MVT, explained that accommodation costs are a major barrier, especially in rural areas with limited options. By providing free or low-cost beds, venues can help artists avoid expensive hotels and reduce overall tour expenses.
Voodoo Daddy's Leads the Way
One of the first venues to join the scheme is Voodoo Daddy's in Norwich. Owner Ben Street has installed triple-stack bunk beds and new shower facilities for touring artists. He noted that international acts often struggled to cover accommodation costs, leading to rushed departures after shows. Now, artists can stay on site, spend more time with audiences, and sign merchandise, enhancing the experience for everyone.
Florida-based indie rock band The Jump Cuts, who will stay at Voodoo Daddy's later this year, praised the initiative. "Accommodation is an amazing perk that helps international acts survive on the road. Everyone's touring on razor-thin margins. This setup helps keep the dream alive for smaller bands," they said.
Benefits for Audiences and Local Scenes
Other venues are following suit. The Cornish Bank in Falmouth offers residencies for artists to create new work, while Leicester's Firebug hopes to attract acts that might otherwise bypass the city. Owner Matt Kirk believes lower accommodation costs could lead to cheaper tickets, making shows more accessible. "Twenty quid is actually quite a lot of money for people nowadays," he said.
Street, who toured in bands himself, recalled European venues that included accommodation and catering. He is not overly concerned about potential damage, saying, "Bands on tour can cause havoc, but I feel confident most artists will appreciate what we're doing and look after our little band hotel."
Future Expansion
MVT is already in talks with 27 venues about developing accommodation, with roughly half of its member venues having potentially usable space. Davyd hopes this will significantly reduce touring costs and encourage more grassroots acts to hit the road. "If we can significantly drop the cost of accommodation as a factor for touring, it's going to result in a lot more touring," he said.
