The government unveiled a £45 million investment as part of a three-year Music Plan to support 40,000 artists and related projects, aiming to broaden access to music industries and remove barriers for working-class entrants.

The campaign highlights that about 90% of UK grassroots venues are tenants facing redevelopment, evictions, or rent hikes without security.

As part of government moves, a 20% tax cut for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England was announced to save an estimated £1,100 per venue next year, though large venues are excluded.

In Brighton, The Pipeline music venue has been acquired by Music Venue Properties (MVP) and the Charitable Community Benefit Society with investors including Fatboy Slim, securing its future through community ownership.

MVP acts as a steward for grassroots venues, describing itself as the National Trust for Music Venues and having secured ten venues through the Own Our Venues programme since its 2022 launch.

The Pipeline’s long-time manager, Thomas Evrenos, and MVP’s Peter Cornforth stress that stable landlords who understand the venue’s mission are essential to sustaining grassroots spaces and nurturing local talent.

The plan builds on a successful £1 ticket levy scheme that donates a portion from major arena shows to grassroots venues, raising over £500,000 from various artists, though uptake was uneven in 2025.

Ian Murray MP has signaled a goal of achieving 100% voluntary levy participation, with potential for legislative action if industry consensus isn’t reached.

The arrangement ensures The Pipeline continues to operate for musicians and audiences, avoiding rent-driven closures and preserving space for learning and performances.

The broader article notes ongoing challenges for grassroots venues, including profitability and job losses, highlighting concerns about sustaining local music ecosystems amid economic pressures.

Fatboy Slim emphasizes the need for supportive landlords who won’t raise rents and who understand musicians, underscoring The Pipeline’s role in developing talent and creating memories for audiences.

Supportive context from Mixmag and related initiatives like the Liveline Fund frame grassroots venues as vital to the ecosystem for independent artists.