Grassroots venues provide a platform for virtually every single musical talent in the country. If they didn’t exist, we wouldn’t have many of the huge artists we listen to. But as time goes on, we’ve seen many small venues close as the cost of living increases; they are simply struggling to survive.
To help combat the issue, the iconic Royal Albert Hall is becoming the first arena to commit to a levy, which will come into place this October, on all live tickets it sells. £1 from each sale will be invested back into the live music scene in the UK, with the hope being that it can help smaller venues around the capital stay open and thrive.
Their decision means that the Royal Albert Hall is the first venue with a capacity of over 5,000 to commit to such a strategy, and when it begins on October 1, 2025it hopes to raise around £ 300,000 per year for reinvestment via LIVE Trust.
It comes after a number of major artists have supported ticket levies for grassroots venue support on their shows, with the likes of Sam Fender and Coldplay committing to donating money from each ticket sold to the cause.
Speaking on the news, James Ainscough, Chef Executive of the Royal Albert Hall, said: “By embracing the £1 contribution and becoming the first arena where it is ‘always on’, we are adding this charity’s name to the growing momentum around the £1 grassroots contribution. (I) look forward to playing my part in ensuring that every pound raised has the maximum impact, securing a thriving grassroots music sector for generations to come.”
The £1 ticket levy by the Royal Albert Hall is set to come into place for live shows from October 1, 2025. Find out what’s on at the Royal Albert Hall by checking out their website.
