The Government currently insists on taking 20% from the Grassroots Levy in VAT. Maybe at the very least we could have a conversation about how wildly inappropriate that is?

Nothing on VAT on tickets, nothing on investment, nothing on tax reliefs, nothing on cutting energy bills, intervening on rent, addressing Agent of Change flaws, or any of the multiple opportunities everyone keeps bringing to the Government that they don’t act on.

Abandoning the existing Rate Relief simply results in higher bills next year than this year, no matter what HM Treasury spreadsheets claims or what impact on that rise Transitional Relief might have.

Abandoning the current 40% Rate Relief for a far weaker 12% reduction in the Rateable Value multiplier is a tax hike hiding under the claim of ‘lower bills for everyone in 2026/27’.

If you’d like to take part, please RSVP via [email protected] - this is a fantastic opportunity to #HaveYourSay.

A reminder that we're in Manchester this Thursday 27 November for another Fan-Led Review event with chair Kevin Brennan MP, in association with Greater Manchester Music Commission and @greatermcr.bsky.social.

"This is Manchester at its progressive best, cultivating meaningful conversations and clear-cut solutions.”

"These are pragmatic, real-world proposals that commit to supporting the city region’s magnificent music venues, and it’s hugely encouraging to see recommendations already being actioned, including the launch of the Manchester Grassroots Venues Network."

MVT’s Jay Taylor adds that “the report presents a set of compelling recommendations which mirror MVT campaigns and the findings of the UK Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s report on grassroots music."

📺 Watch in full, exclusively on our YouTube: youtu.be/9IMdHmKCCC8 - and hit subscribe to catch future episodes.

He continues to tour tirelessly, sharing his unmistakable voice, songs, and stories with audiences everywhere - so catch him live if you can.

Glenn says; “The grassroots is where it all starts for so many musicians and where local communities can access affordable and exciting live music. We need to protect these venues and nurture the artists so that our great culture can thrive for generations to come.”

Today, we’re proud to announce that Glenn is joining Music Venue Trust as a Patron.

From the early days of playing tiny rooms to performing on the world’s biggest stages, Glenn knows better than most how essential grassroots music venues are in nurturing talent, building communities, and giving artists their first true home.

Places are limited, and demand is high - so if you’d like to take part, please apply as soon as possible.

#HaveYourSay

📸 : Georgia Penny / Victoria Durand

It’s important to all parties to make sure that a variety of locations and that Welsh language is facilitated in these discussions and we are grateful to Creative Wales for support making sure these venues can be made available for these discussions to take place and that you can play a part.

In partnership with Creative Wales, FOCUS Wales and Cardiff Music City, we are hosting events in the following locations

📍 Carmarthen - 23 November
📍 Bethesda - 25 November

When that money disappears into touts’ pockets, fans have less to spend on the gigs that keep local rooms open, support emerging artists, and sustain the cultural pipeline.

📸: Greta Baltic