Our Lib Dem MP for Bath, Wera Hobhouse, has criticised the government for the staggering loss of jobs, income and economic activity caused by the vast number of closures to music venues nationwide.
This follows the closure of beloved grassroots music venue in Bath, Moles, in December, for which the city’s MP has championed fervently, working closely with Music Venue Trust to see whether a way can be found for the iconic venue to open its doors once again.
The closure of Moles, though devastating for music lovers and emerging musicians alike in Bath, was not an isolated occurrence. In fact, in 2023 an average of two grassroots music venues closed permanently every week. Mrs Hobhouse grilled the government in the House of Commons on the grave economic loss these closures cause. According to Music Venue Trust, 4000 jobs, over 193,000 performance opportunities, £9 million of income for musicians and £59 million in direct economic activity were lost in 2023 due to these closures.
In response to Mrs Hobhouse’s demand for a Ministerial statement on the government’s action to support small music venues, Gareth Davies, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, offered little reassurance. He failed to mention any relief provided by the government for small music venues specifically.
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:
“The government’s failure to adequately support small music venues through recent financial pressures following the cost of living crisis has seen beloved venues forced to shut their doors.
“Our community in Bath knows the devastation this can cause all too well, following the closure of Moles last year. It means emerging artists do not have the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage, thousands of jobs for staff who support the industry are cut, and avid fans lose out on special spaces to gather and share their love for music.
“I have called on the Conservatives time and again to commit to keeping grassroots music venues open, yet their support is shockingly insufficient.”
