Accessibility Statement
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On Tuesday 28 January 2025, Carly Heath had the privilege of joining Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music as part of Independent Venue Week to discuss the future of Bristol’s independent music venues and what’s at stake if closures continue and our city’s vibrant music culture falls silent.
It’s no secret that grassroots venues across the UK are facing an uphill battle. Rising costs, noise complaints, rent hikes, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic have left many of our iconic spaces fighting to survive.
In Bristol, even with our globally respected music scene, the challenges are just as real. These are the places that nurture emerging talent, bring communities together, fuel creativity, and drive Bristol’s night time economy. Without them, we risk silencing the next generation of artists and erasing a vital part of our city’s DNA.
That’s why we’re proposing the creation of a Bristol Music Fund, a bold new idea dedicated to supporting our city’s independent venues, artists and industry professionals. Without these spaces and the people that bring them to life, the future of live music in Bristol is at serious risk.
It’s more important than ever for us to stand together to protect the places that host our beloved Bristol sound and make our music scene so special.
Huge thanks to Huw Stephens for giving us the platform to highlight this crucial issue. Tune in from 49 minutes to hear the full conversation and as a bonus, Huw even dropped a Roni Size classic in there just for us.
Let’s keep Bristol’s music scene alive. Support your local venues, go to gigs, spread the word and celebrate the music that makes Bristol Bristol.
Read more about the Bristol Music Fund.
