A grassroots music venue is a small live music venue, usually independently run, where new and developing artists play, often early in their careers. The Music Venue Trust, the charity that represents these venues in the UK, publishes an annual count and sets the criteria it uses to decide which venues qualify.
How many are left
The Music Venue Trust’s annual report for 2025, published in January 2026, counted 801 grassroots music venues operating in the UK on 31 July 2025, down from 810 a year earlier. Over the year, 30 venues closed permanently and 48 no longer met the trust’s criteria, while 69 venues were newly recognised.
The Guardian reported on 21 January 2026 that the fall was the smallest annual decline since 2018.
Support for venues
The trust has campaigned for a £1 levy on arena and stadium tickets, with the money going back to grassroots venues.
In Shoreditch
Shoreditch and Hoxton still have several small live music venues. See the guide to where to hear live music in Shoreditch, venue by venue.
The essentials
- Grassroots venues in the UK: 801 on 31 July 2025 (Music Venue Trust)
- Permanent closures in the year: 30
- Newly recognised: 69
- More information: musicvenuetrust.com