A further 13 grassroots music venues have received grants from charity Music Venue Trust (MVT), as part of a third round distribution from its Pipeline Investment Fund.

The fund, which provides grants of up to £5,000 for UK grassroots venues, saw £55,203.34 distributed in total to the 13 venues.

The fund was established in 2022 with the support of members of the Music Venues Alliance and was primarily funded by donations from ticket sales of MVT’s recent Revive Live programme of gigs around the UK, which was a partnership with The National Lottery.

Small scale grant applications (up to £5,000) were invited from UK based venues to support improvements in lighting, sound, access, ventilation, CCTV, air conditioning, fire safety and accessible toilets.

The grants were also given to improve staff and training, including workforce diversification, succession planning, skills development and strengthening local community ties.

The inaugural round of payments in December 2022 saw 11 grassroots music venues receive £40,000, and a further 14 were awarded almost £70,000 in January.

The new recipient venues are:

• Black Box – Belfast
• Dubrek Studios – Derby
• Esquires – Bedford
• Queens Hall – Narberth
• The Brunswick – Hove
• The Depo – Plymouth
• The Exchange – Bristol
• The Fulford Arms – York
• The Loco Klub – Bristol
• The Mill – Bradford
• The Piper – St Leonards On Sea
• Trinity – Bristol
• Tunbridge Wells Forum – Tunbridge Wells

Last month, MVT released their 2022 Annual Report, which was launched at a reception for MPs at The House of Commons. The charity is calling on the government to review the VAT on ticket sales .

MVT CEO Mark Davyd said, “The Pipeline Investment Fund proves what we have been saying for some time – small amounts of money, sensibly invested, can make a real difference to grassroots music venues. This fund is essential for artists and audiences, improving the places they love and ensuring that they are keeping up to date with the latest equipment, training, access and sustainability opportunities. We hope the industry will seize the opportunity to get involved”

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