I began working in the music industry in 2016, working in Grassroots Music Venues as a music photographer and journalist. I was lucky enough to be taken to many local shows as a young person with my family, which built my love of the creative arts. After attending shows fairly regularly, I recognised there were so many moving parts to putting on live shows, and I was desperate to be a part of it.

As someone from a working-class background, I appreciate Grassroots Music Venues as being accessible places of culture that represent a great deal of people. When I lived in Newcastle, I was extremely lucky to have a range of GMVs on my doorstep that were easy to travel to and affordable to attend. When I moved to London to study, the first friends I made were promoters, managers and box office staff who worked in GMVs. Meeting people at these intimate venues who shared the same passion and drive for supporting upcoming artists made me recognise how important these venues are.

Grassroots Music Venues are an integral part of the UK’s music industry, and these spaces hold such an important significance for creatives. They are a key part of an artist’s journey, building confidence, changing their setlists and building their fanbase. GMVs are one of the main reasons that I am living in London today and working in the music industry. Having access to local shows built my appreciation for how much work it takes to create a live music event. I have such respect for venue operators who are quietly working away in the background, night after night, ensuring that other people have an unforgettable evening. We need to recognise the value and importance of Grassroots Music Venues and ensure that they are properly funded. Moreover, we all need to recognise the value they provide for both their local area and the music industry at large.

Bethan McConnell

Admin Support