Cardiff Council Announces Plan to Support Small Music Venues in the City
In recent years, many of Cardiff’s small music venues have struggled with financial pressures, leading to the unfortunate closure of several establishments. However, there is new hope on the horizon as Cardiff Council has unveiled a plan to provide additional funding to protect the city’s grassroots music venues as part of its “Cardiff Music City” initiative. The council is offering a fund that aims to bolster the music scene in Cardiff, providing capital grants of up to £10,000 for venue improvements to all grassroots venues in the city.
This fund is just one component of Cardiff Council’s broader music strategy, which includes the upcoming Cardiff Music City Festival scheduled to take place from September 27 to October 20. The festival, spanning three weeks, is set to be a celebration of innovative and talented music coming to Cardiff, featuring gigs, residencies, and pop-up events. With a goal to attract over 20,000 attendees, the festival will showcase a mix of international and local talent, from established names to emerging artists.
Over the years, small music venues in Cardiff have been crucial in nurturing the talents of up-and-coming Welsh musicians who have gone on to achieve global success. However, many of these venues have faced challenges and closures. For instance, The Point in Butetown, where bands like Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers performed, shut its doors in 2009. More recently, iconic venue Porter’s faced financial difficulties, prompting an appeal for help to clear its debts and avoid permanent closure.
The Grassroots Venue Fund, backed by the UK Government, aims to safeguard grassroots music scenes, providing essential support to venues in need. Cardiff Council’s Leader and Chair of Cardiff Music Board, Cllr Huw Thomas, emphasised the significance of grassroots venues in Cardiff’s music ecosystem. He highlighted the vital role these venues play in nurturing local artists, engaging communities, and contributing to Cardiff’s vibrant music landscape.
Cllr Huw Thomas stated, “The support offered by this fund, alongside our broader music strategy initiatives, aims to ensure that Cardiff’s grassroots venues not only survive but thrive. From the Cardiff Music City Festival to our support for venues like Clŵb Ifor Bach and Porter’s, we are committed to maintaining the heart of Cardiff’s music scene.” The ongoing efforts by Cardiff Council underscore their dedication to preserving the cultural richness and vibrancy of the city’s music community.
The new plan to support Cardiff’s small music venues is a welcome development for musicians, music lovers, and the local community, signalling a brighter future for Cardiff’s music scene.