UK grassroots music venues have been in a cul-de-sac, or outright decline, for some time. In 2026, the Music Venue Trust’s Annual Report found that although the number of venues had shrunk by just nine, more than half of them made no profit. In addition, employment in the sector dropped by 22%. This signals that live music at its point of entry may need a new home, and there are several places it may look to find one.
Disused Churches
Churches are built with natural acoustics in mind. Their vaulted ceilings provide excellent sonic backdrops for singer-songwriters and small string ensembles. In fact, there have recently been several promoters who have started putting on gigs in these spaces, including in religious buildings that are still functioning. Look at the ‘By Candlelight’ gig series, which is often advertised around the UK.
The only issue with this is that they don’t have large toilet facilities. Lacking bar areas also means people can’t get refreshments, so this does require some innovation or temporary solutions. Luckily, more of these spaces are being acquired by councils that need to find a multi-purpose use for them. Building them into community spaces that house gigs, arts and events is one very practical use.
Bingo Halls
The UK’s bingo halls have long had a tie to popular music. Many of the older, art deco buildings started as cinemas and theatres, before switching to live music. They were then replaced by bingo halls in the post-war television boom when footfall fell. Yet with online bingo bringing the popularity back to halls, they are booming. With free 10 no deposit bonus offers to introduce people to the game, bingo halls are thriving both on and offline.
These spaces have almost everything a grassroots venue needs. Refreshments, a bar, seating, stages and sound systems. The older buildings that have survived being moved to out-of-town retail parks also benefit from designs that have sound in mind. Take venues like Stockton on Tees Globe Theatre, once a bingo hall and now hosting artists like Paul Weller and Queens of the Stone Age.
The Sofar Sounds Movement
Organisations have long been ahead of the curve with this, plucking out strange and wonderful spaces for gigs. One of these is Sofar Sounds, which bills itself as a movement. They take artists and drop them in unexpected places. From bakeries to building sites, Sofar have run the whole plethora.
What makes them exciting is not just the location. Many artists are not announced until late in the day. This makes it a total surprise, in which you may stumble upon your favourite artist without even realising it. It could be the next singer-songwriter or an eight-piece band; you just don’t know until you get there.
Venues are in decline, as is employment in the sector. Yet finding these new venues and adapting is just as important. From these, live music can carry on, allowing the next generation a place to flourish and fostering musical creativity.
