Cornwall live music venues 'in danger' of shutting

Performers at The Fish Factory Art Space in Penryn

The cost of living crisis is threatening the future of grassroots live music in Cornwall, venue operators have said.

Rufus Maurice, co-director of The Cornish Bank in Falmouth, said 2023 had been the most challenging year ever.

Ed Shellard, who runs a music shop The Fish Factory Art Space in Penryn, said many were in danger of closing.

It comes after a report showed 125 venues abandoned live music in 2023 due to financial pressure.

Mr Maurice said venues like his were struggling to survive, and he had written to Cornwall Council and Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory to highlight the issue.

He said The Cornish Bank, which is set up as a community interest company (CIC), may need to launch a crowdfunding appeal to ensure its survival.

CICs are set up to use their profits and assets for the benefit of the local community.

He said: "Watching colleagues in other venues have to close-up shop - and realising that is happening here in Cornwall as well - we can't afford to lose too many more.

"I just wanted to highlight the issue and for them to wake up to it a bit and take it seriously.

"Anyone that's still got their doors open today is having a tough time."

Rufus Maurice said people were spending less money during nights out

'Difficult time'

He said there was "no doubt" cost of living pressures were having an impact.

"People have less money in their pockets and, as a result, they're spending less money on luxuries like going out," he said.

Mr Shellard said his venue, which is also a CIC, was hoping to raise £8,000 through a fundraising campaign.

"All the profit we make goes back into the company," he said.

"We've got deficits, like the electricity bill is still outstanding, but all the money we get will go back into this place.

"Communities need to come together to try and rescue their venues - they're in danger."

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport acknowledged it was a "difficult time for grassroots music".

It said: "We stand firmly behind grassroot music venues, which is why we prevented more than 130 from closing at the start of the pandemic and went on to provide nearly £250m to music organisations through the Culture Recovery Fund - including Fish Factory which received over £87,000.

"We've continued to support small businesses, including venues, through recent challenges with the £18 billion Energy Bill Relief Scheme and business rates relief."