Grassroots music venue handed £400k boost

The Forum in Darlington has attracted artists from across the world

A music venue that battled its way back from the brink of closure has netted £400,000 in government funding.

The Forum has been a cultural hub at the heart of Darlington for 20 years.

It previously faced significant financial challenges, but an Arts Council grant will be used to regenerate the building and extend its facilities.

Chief executive Allison Mckay highlighted the importance of ensuring the survival of grassroots venues across the country.

In 2011, The Forum faced almost certain closure, but a campaign to save it saw it re-launched as a social enterprise headed by Ms Mckay.

It has now been awarded £404,000 of capital investment that will be used to upgrade facilities and make it more accessible, with plans for a new recording studio, kitchen and green room also in the works.

The Forum's team worked hard to ensure the venue survived

Ms Mckay said: "It is a real struggle for grassroots venues at the moment.

"It has been very difficult and we're seeing a massive amount close down.

"They have such importance and us getting the award from the Arts Council is really fortunate.

"It shows how the establishments are starting to see the importance of arts and culture at a grassroots level.

"That's vital for the whole industry and I hope other venues see this and are inspired to be ambitious."

She said the funding will be used to ensure the venue is as inclusive, affordable and accessible as possible, to best serve the diverse community that uses it.

"There'll be a ten-year-old playing guitar in one area, while a punk gig is happening in another," she said.

"Since day one of taking over, the thing I have loved most is seeing how many different people come."