Max SteventonThe Music Venue Trust (MVT) has distributed funds raised from Sam Fender’s arena tour last year to 38 independent venues across the UK.
Distributed via its Liveline Fund, the amount raised totals over £100,000. The grassroots venue charity said the fund has been used to provide emergency assistant for issues such as legal disputes and licensing problems, and will improve grants that “protects, secures and improves the grassroots ecosystem”.
The Liveline Fund, created by MVT and Save Our Scene (SOS), raises funds through arena and stadium ticket sales with the likes of Sam Fender, Coldplay and Katy Perry early adopters of the scheme.
Among the 38 venues that have been supported through the fund include The White Hotel, The Hunter Club, who described the support as a “game-changer”, Stereo and Paper Dress Vintage.
“It’s brilliant to see that the money raised from the arena tour is making a real difference to so many venues,” said Fender. “The grassroots circuit has been decimated over the last 10 years or so and the idea that money from shows in big venues supports the smaller venues, where it all starts for musicians like me, is just common sense. These places are legendary.”
MVT CEO Mark Davyd said, “This remarkable contribution from Sam Fender, his management, and his team has created a real and lasting impact on the grassroots music ecosystem. These venues are the places where artists like Sam take their first steps, where local communities come together, and where live music truly begins. By investing directly into their future, we are strengthening the entire live music sector.”