Hot Box Live Chelmsford owner considers second job to tackle debt

David Hughes says costs are "spiralling" for many venues across the country

The founder of a live music venue said he had considered taking a second job to keep his beloved business alive.

David Hughes, who owns Hot Box Live in Chelmsford, said the venue had debts of almost £50,000 which mainly stemmed from the Covid-19 pandemic.

He is set to meet with government officials on Wednesday to call for extra support for grassroots venues.

"Venues are getting into a lot of trouble and a lot of debt and they are struggling to make ends meet," he said.

Legendary DJ Fatboy Slim, who previously performed at Hot Box, has joined efforts to secure its future and agreed to play an intimate set on 2 April.

Mr Hughes said he wanted a £1 levy on tickets sold for shows at stadiums and arenas - to be given to local venues to help stop them closing.

He said a perfect storm of "spiralling costs" and the fact that - as a not-for-profit business - he could not raise prices inside Hot Box were creating huge pressures.

The owner revealed he had considered taking on a second job to help make inroads on the £50,000 debt.

'Special'

Hot Box, which has a 100-person capacity, is based under one of the arches of the railway viaduct in Chelmsford city centre.

"It's a family-type place... everybody that hangs out here can be quite naughty but they're never, ever nasty," Mr Hughes said.

"It's always a fun place to be, a great vibe and the music you see here is an exceptional standard. When you see them in full flow and giving it some on stage, it really is something quite special."

Katy Forkings says the plight of grassroots music venues like Hot Box is "heartbreaking"

Katy Forkings, an upcoming singer who often frequents the venue, said many musicians liked Hot Box due to its "incredible atmosphere".

"We rely so heavily on venues like this and we love venues like this," she added.

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