Liverpool launches new support programme for grassroots music venues

Liverpool City Council has announced a new support programme aimed exclusively at grassroots music venues in Liverpool, designed to help sustain the small live music spaces where new talent is discovered, developed and championed.

The programme combines direct financial support with tailored business development, helping venues respond to ongoing pressures while continuing to programme new and original music by Liverpool-based artists.

Grassroots venues across the UK have faced significant challenges in recent years, including rising operating costs, shifts in audience behaviour and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. In Liverpool, these venues play a vital role in nurturing the city’s music ecosystem and providing early-stage opportunities for emerging artists.

As a UNESCO City of Music Liverpool, Liverpool is committed to protecting this essential part of its cultural infrastructure and ensuring grassroots venues remain resilient, inclusive and innovative.

The scheme also marks the beginning of a year-long programme celebrating the tenth anniversary of Liverpool’s UNESCO City of Music status.

How the programme works

Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Liverpool City Council in partnership with Music Venue Trust, the programme is built around two core strands:

1. Financial support & talent development

A dedicated grants scheme will support venues and promoters to programme new, original music by Liverpool-based artists. Priority will be given to emerging and grassroots venues, particularly those with a capacity of under 300.

Venues and promoters can apply for funding to support up to six nights of live music programming, with grants of up to £3,000 per venue or promoter. The funding is designed to help venues host new talent, grow audiences and strengthen Liverpool’s pipeline of emerging artists.

2. Business support & capacity building

Alongside the grants, venues will be able to access a bespoke package of business support delivered in partnership with Music Venue Trust. This will help both new and established venues strengthen their business models, diversify audiences and respond to changing trends across the live music sector.

Development pathways for promoters

The programme will also provide a referral route into MusicFutures’ Promoter Development Project — a 12-month development opportunity supporting promoters from under-represented backgrounds or those working in under-supported genres.

MusicFutures is led by University of Liverpool in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, bringing together more than 27 partners to drive inclusive and sustainable innovation across the music sector.

How to apply

Apply online: https://liverpool.gov.uk/grmv

Applications open: Monday 26 January 2026

Deadline: Friday 13 February 2026 at 12 noon

Decisions announced: By Friday 27 February 2026

What they said

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture, said:

“Liverpool’s reputation as one of the world’s great music cities starts in our small venues — the places where new ideas, sounds and movements are born.

“This package is about investing in that creative energy, supporting venues to grow sustainably, and giving local artists the opportunity to perform and develop right here in our city.

“Our local music scene is one of Liverpool’s greatest strengths, enriching our culture and contributing to the economy, and we’ll continue working with partners to ensure it has the support it deserves.”

Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music for Liverpool, added:

“To be a great music city, you have to have grassroots music venues at your very heart. This is where emerging artists take their first steps on stage and where audiences discover unforgettable performances.

“Nothing compares to the experience of live music in a packed venue, sharing that moment with others in the room. You can watch clips or see photos afterwards, but nothing beats being there when the musical magic happens.”

This programme is open to grassroots music venues based in Liverpool city only and forms part of the city’s wider commitment to supporting live music, emerging talent and cultural infrastructure.