Future of live music venue secured by takeover

The Booking Hall in Dover opened in 2016 and hosts regular gigs and events

An independent live music venue in Kent is preparing to celebrate a takeover deal that has secured its future.

The Booking Hall in Dover, which has hosted acts including Don Broco and Frank Turner, is now under the ownership of Music Venue Properties (MPV), a division of the Music Venue Trust (MVT), after a fundraising drive.

As a charity, the MVT aims to protect UK music venues by giving them long-term security.

Stuart Cameron, owner of The Booking Hall, said: “To know that the venue is secure for many generations to come is a great relief and definitely something to celebrate."

The venue has a standing capacity of 280 people and the building is over 165 years old.

“Following the owner’s decision earlier this year to put the building up for sale, we were trying to purchase the building ourselves, but did not have the capital up front for a deposit," said Mr Cameron.

"Without Music Venue Properties stepping in to purchase the venue, the most likely outcome would have been a property developer turning the building into flats or offices."

MVP has previously purchased three other venues in the UK and aims to continue to buy grassroots music venues.

Matthew Otridge, chief operating officer of MVP, said it was "crucial" that the charity got involved in order to "safeguard this vital community hub".

The Dub Pistols are among the artists who have performed at the venue

MVP said the new ownership meant the venue no longer had to worry about commercial pressures and could instead focus on supporting local musicians.

Iron Maiden legend Steve Harris, whose side project British Lion played a fundraising show to help MYP purchase the venue, said the takeover was "fantastic news" and added: "Glad we could be of help!”

Topper Headon, drummer of rock legends The Clash, said the new ownership was "exactly what Dover needs".

A celebratory event is to take place on Thursday at the venue with performances from Folkestone rock duo Sand and Stone and Margate rock band Black Roze.