How many UK music venues closed in 2023?
Culture in the UK is tricky to pin down. The country has a violent past, so its history and traditions are often influenced by (or stolen from) other countries and subsequently frowned upon. This trickles down into many aspects of the UK, like our language, often described as three languages pretending to be one. While we look at the state of the country now, there remains political unrest and a lot that should be addressed, but there is also more to be proud of than centuries past have ever granted us, and one of those things is a thriving music scene.
Over the past few decades, the UK has been responsible for some of the most prominent musical artists in the world, and there is an individuality put forward by cities across the country that means you can experience a variety of sounds that wouldn’t be available elsewhere. Considering the size of the country, this is something to be proud of, yet for some reason, it is also something that people are happy to let fade away.
Regardless of what artist you are talking about, they have relied on small, independent venues. Independent venues are where sparks are ignited and fanned into flames. It’s where people are first introduced to live music and become inspired to try and make it themselves. It’s where they grow confidence, work out what works and better understand how to collaborate with others. Even those musicians who are overnight digital sensations will draw from bands they’ve seen live and artists whom the live scene has shaped. In short, music would be shit without them. So, why aren’t we doing anything to keep them open?
Running a venue has always been challenging, but it is getting harder and harder. A common argument is that the musical world is not as profitable as it used to be, but this is moot given those higher up the chain are making record highs whilst those who set the foundation are experiencing record lows.
2023 was the worst year yet for live venues. There are several issues that contribute towards this, all of which can be addressed and prevented. So, exactly how many venues were affected?
How many UK music venues closed in 2023?
In total, 125 venues closed in 2023. There are a lot of challenges that different music venues face, and they are getting increasingly difficult to combat. So much so that record numbers have to close down. Increases in rent, a lack of footfall thanks to the cost-of-living crisis, noise complaints and developers taking over are making it so that more venues than ever are shutting up shop for good.
Grassroots venues are incredibly important to the UK economy, contributing a total of £501million last year. They also provide 28,000 jobs across the country as well. In 2023, the profit margin of grassroots venues was a lousy 0.5%, whilst those higher up in the live sector experienced profits of 38%. The CEO of Music Venue Trust, Mark Davyd, commented on the figures, saying, “Enough is enough; this report speaks for itself, and we will not allow this to continue.”
How many music venues are there in the UK?
Currently, there are 835 grassroots venues in the UK. This is down from 960 venues in 2022. There is a clear issue in the rate at which music venues are closing down, and if it continues on this trajectory, a part of UK culture that people are incredibly proud of will fizzle out of existence.
The buck doesn’t start and stop with punters. Yes, there are things we can do to help, like buy tickets, drinks and merchandise, but assistance needs to come from higher up. The music industry needs to be funded better, and those higher up in the live music scene must invest in those lower down. Not doing so is the equivalent of a company not investing in a research department. Various aspects of the music industry work in tandem with one another, and the harsh reality is that if one area collapses, all of it will.
