Jeremy Corbyn, Independent MP for Islington North, has launched a campaign aimed at urging the UK government to take decisive action to protect grassroots music venues across the country. The initiative, named “A Summer To Save Music,” is being spearheaded by Corbyn’s Peace & Justice Project and is set to feature a series of live shows in grassroots music venues located in London, Manchester, Bristol, Birkenhead, Brighton, and Norwich.

Corbyn highlighted the critical state of these community venues, stating in a press release that “the inaction of successive governments has left many of Britain’s grassroots music venues facing the imminent threat of staff redundancies or being forced to shut their doors for good, which is a devastating blow to communities, local economies and our country’s rich cultural heritage in the arts.”

The campaign builds on an ongoing effort, “Music For The Many,” which for the past two years has advocated for a modest ticket levy on large music venues and their corporate sponsors as the fairest means to fund grassroots music initiatives. Corbyn noted that nearly a year ago, the parliamentary Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee endorsed this approach in its report on British live music, and the government recognised it as a viable option. Despite this endorsement, many grassroots venues continue to close at an alarming rate, a situation Corbyn attributes to the government’s chronic failure to implement the recommended measures.

Corbyn’s message to the government is unequivocal: “We’ve only got a Summer to save music. Act now, introduce a ticket levy on the corporate superpowers in the music industry and save our grassroots music venues.”

Samuel Sweek, a spokesperson for Music For The Many, condemned the government’s lack of action as “unforgivable,” emphasising the critical role that these venues play in sustaining tens of thousands of jobs nationwide and fostering artistic talent across all music genres. He expressed pride in the campaign’s diverse and multi-genre line-up of performers supporting the initiative, stating, “A Summer To Save Music features a diverse slate of performers standing with us in defence of our live music scene. This multi-genre line-up recognises the importance of independent venues in supporting the next generation of British music talent, building community and celebrating creativity.”

Sweek concluded by stressing the urgency of the campaign, pointing out that “every single day the government sits on its hands as incredible venues cease to exist is a tragedy and a waste.”

Further information about the campaign and its planned events is available through the Peace & Justice Project’s channels.

Source: Noah Wire Services