Grassroots music venues across the UK are seeing signs of recovery, but the industry remains fragile, according to the Music Venue Trust's (MVT) annual report. Audience numbers are up, more gigs are being staged, and the rate of venue closures has slowed, offering a glimmer of hope for the sector that has struggled since the pandemic.
The report, published on Wednesday, reveals that 30 venues permanently closed and 48 stopped operating as grassroots music venues over the past year. However, 69 new or revived spaces joined the network, easing the overall decline. Despite this, more than half of grassroots venues made no profit in 2025, with average profit margins sitting at just 2.5 per cent.
Mark Davyd, founder and CEO of the MVT, urged caution despite the positive indicators. “I wouldn’t say we’ve turned the corner, but I think I would say that we are at least peering round a corner,” he said. He noted that live music itself remains structurally loss-making, with many venues relying on bar sales and food to subsidise gigs.
Davyd highlighted a shift in government attitude, with ministers now recognising the role small venues play as a “talent pipeline” and drivers of community cohesion. The creative industries sector plan was described as “fantastic for grassroots venues”. While challenges remain, the sector is hopeful that 2026 will bring further support and stability.
