Steve Brine MP welcomed one of the owners of the Railway Inn, Dan, to the House of Commons for a roundtable on grassroots music venues organised by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.
The Railway Inn, in Winchester, was built in 1850 but it’s still not finished. In recent years, it has established a national reputation as one of the UK’s premier regional live music venues.
The roundtable was part of the Committee's grassroots music venues inquiry.
Last year, the UK experienced a net loss of 125 grassroots music venues (GMVs) across the UK, equivalent to over a tenth of the sector. GMVs are an important part of the live music ecosystem, providing a platform for up-and-coming bands and music professionals, as well as space for rehearsals, education, social programmes and other arts and cultural productions.
This is a short inquiry to explore the ongoing crisis among GMVs. The inquiry’s aims are to explore the specific issues faced by GMVs, consider interventions that will prevent further venue closures and improve the evidence base regarding proposals.
Following the meeting Steve said: "I'm so glad that Winchester's leading live music venue was represented at this important meeting, we are determined to help the pipeline of music talent in this country survive and thrive.".
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Pictured: Mark from the Music Venue Trust, Steve Brine MP and Dan from the Railway Inn
