Small venues that 'nurture talent' get £245k boost

A cut in business rate discounts has led to strain for smaller venues, a music charity says

A fund to help the struggling grassroots music venues in Manchester "where talent is nurtured and the city's music begins" has been established.

The £245,000 fund created by Manchester City Council in partnership with the Music Venue Trust has been set up to meet the cost of increasing business rates.

Small venues are feeling "financial strain" following a cut in discounts given by the government's business rates scheme from 75% in 2024/25 down to 40% in 2025/26, the trust said.

Kate Lowes, from the Manchester Music City network, welcomed the creation of the fund and said: "business rates relief is one of the sector's most pressing concerns".

Applications are open until Christmas for the fund, which is raised from revenue generated by concerts such as Oasis at Heaton Park and business rates from larger venues including the new Co-op Live arena.

Recipients will receive the grants before February, with the size of payment based on a venue's business rate liability, with the maximum amount available being 35% of its 2025/26 liability or £20k

Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said the "swift delivery" of the grant was "virtually unheard of in the sector".

She said: "We understand the importance of smaller venues, the stages where talent is nurtured and the city's music begins.

"Big gigs may hog the headlines but we are pleased that, with the support of the Music Venues Trust, we've found a way to help their success support the grassroots venues which help launch acts and are an essential part of the ecosystem."