Youth music charity launches new gig venue

YWMP has set up its new base in Little Clarendon Street, Oxford

An educational charity that enables young women, trans and non-binary people to get together and make music is opening a new gig venue following a fundraising campaign.

YWMP's new base is a gigging and rehearsal space in Little Clarendon Street in Oxford called The Nest.

The charity has been running for 25 years but has moved around several different locations in the city during its history.

Young people aged 14 to 25 can learn music production, events management, and how to play and perform music at YWMP.

Formerly the Young Women's Music Project, the charity runs a "Safer Spaces" policy, funded by the Youth Music foundation.

It aims to make grassroots live music venues safer and more accessible for all demographics, particularly marginalised people.

Director Zahra Haji Fath Ali Tehrani said: "We have worked as a collective for two years on a safer spaces policy that will be at the core of The Nest, offering an opportunity for the grassroots music scene to up the standard so that all gig goers, musicians, sound engineers and promoters alike hold each other accountable when issues arise.

"From reading the misogyny in music reports, we know that it's time to break down those barriers and make change more than ever.

"This space is going to offer workshop space for young people to learn new skills and grow in confidence, regular live performances highlighting new talent and a place for people to feel seen and heard when it comes to problems they may face in their day-to-day.

"This space is open to all but centres women, trans and non-binary people."

YWMP has so far fundraised more than £8,000 towards utilities and staffing at the venue.

The opening night on Friday will feature live performances by Rubie and Elouiza.