Photo: Jody Hartley
Manchester Music City have published a landmark report that aims to help strengthen the city’s grassroots music venues. Created with the support of Manchester City Council, the report was created with the aim of highlighting the cultural and economic importance of such venues, and has also led to the launch of a new Grassroots Venues Network.
The research, which was carried out by The Hub, was commissioned to support positive collective action, and highlights the biggest challenges faced by smaller venues including the economic pressures of rising costs and reduced income, and a passionate but overstretched workforce. The report presents a set of recommendations that will aid the development of a new strategy led by Manchester Music City, as well as the establishment of the Manchester Grassroots Venues Network.
As of 24 November 2025, the Network will be a hosting quarterly meetings that hope to help strengthen collaboration between venues, the council and other local partners. It will allow venues to have a direct voice in shaping policy, to receive updates on city initiatives, share best practices and explore joint marketing and audience development opportunities to raise the profile of Manchester’s grassroots music scene both locally and internationally.
The organisations say that the report is part of a wider effort to protect and promote grassroots music venues, and that Manchester Music City, Manchester City Council and their partners are committed to ongoing collaboration with venues to ensure a collaborative approach to strengthening the city’s music ecosystem.
The full report can be found via the link below.
