Ipswich MP warns of crisis in grassroots music venues

The big picture: During a Westminster debate on the secondary ticketing market, Abbott highlighted how The Smokehouse – one of Ipswich's three incredible grassroots music venues – previously needed community intervention to avoid closure.

• The venue was saved through £12,000 of crowdfunding from local residents

• Additional support came via grants from Ipswich Borough Council and Arts Council England

Why it matters: Research from the Music Venue Trust indicates 2024 is set to be the worst year on record for grassroots music venue closures, with two closing weekly.

What they're saying: "I cannot help but wonder whether Suffolk's next Ed Sheeran will be denied their chance to shine," Abbott told MPs.

Joe Bailey, CEO of Brighten the Corners , says these venues are crucial for artist development:

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"Only a small handful of acts playing the biggest festivals haven't gone through the process of honing their skills on a small stage. Radiohead, Wolf Alice, Paramore, Ed Sheeran, The Beatles, Nirvana will have all cut their teeth in 50-800 capacity venues."

He also pointed to sobering stats for the industry, saying "Grassroots music venues are facing their toughest years post covid with over 40% running at a loss and the GMV's profit margin being 0.5% overall."

The local picture: "We are incredibly lucky to have three grassroots music venues in Ipswich and already bands, audiences, volunteers and staff are growing and developing in our ecosystem," Bailey says.

But it's not all positive.

On the same day that Abbott spoke in Westminster, The Music Room in Ipswich announced it would close with immediate effect due to reasons "outside its control."

The bottom line: Abbott called for more support for community-owned venues, while Bailey warns: "Without support from customers, industry, government and grants we run the risk of losing the artist research division of the whole industry."

You can find all upcoming Brighten the Corners gigs  on our What's on in Ipswich section.

Sources

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