Founders of New Order-backed music conference on bringing rooftop gigs and big names to the 'capital of music'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Last week, a Greater Manchester gig venue was saved in a first-of-its-kind music scheme led by the ‘National Trust of music venues’.

The Snug in Atherton, an 100-capacity music venue, was given permanent protected status by Music Venue Trust, who purchased the freehold as part of the #Ownyourvenues scheme, which has been backed by more than 1,250 people including Ed Sheeran.

As the first venue to be bought by the organisation under the Music Venue Properties initiative, a project which aims to secure long-term futures for nine of Britain’s most treasured grassroots music venues (GMVs), it was a proud moment for the venue and local community who continue to support it. READ MORE: Barry Manilow announces huge Manchester Co-Op Live Arena gig - how to get tickets READ MORE: International music convention WOMEX is coming to Manchester in 2024 after city wins bid to host It’s also an important milestone for the UK’s grassroots venues, which, post-Covid, and mid-Cost-of-Living, have been struggling to stay afloat.

Last month, Music Venue Trust reported that 35% of grassroots venues have closed in the last 20 years - with 15.7% closing for good in the last 12 months alone.