Manchester City Council’s £245,000 discretionary fund to support the city’s Grassroots Music Venues is now open for applications – with payments due to reach successful venues by the end of January 2026.

Following reductions to the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief Scheme, this initiative is designed primarily to ease the financial pressure caused by Manchester’s grassroots music venues transitioning to the new business rates tariffs and is a direct response to one of the key recommendations within the forthcoming Music in the City report (commissioned by Manchester Music City and delivered by the hub).

Delivered in partnership with national charity Music Venue Trust (MVT) who, alongside national advocacy, are urging local councils to take action, the fund represents a rapid, targeted intervention to protect the small venues that make Manchester’s music culture world-renowned. 

Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “We understand the importance of smaller venues, the stages where talent is nurtured and the city’s music begins. We also know that across the country, grassroots venues are struggling. That’s why in Manchester we’re taking action to ensure that real support reaches our venues quickly. This swift delivery is virtually unheard of in the sector but we are determined to innovate.

“Big gigs may hog the headlines, but we are pleased that, with the support of the Music Venue Trust, we’ve found a way to help their success support the grassroots venues which help launch acts and are an essential part of the ecosystem.” 

Not to be confused with a Business Rates Relief scheme, this is a discretionary grant designed to offset the impact of the national business rates changes. The fund recognises and highlights the vital contribution that grassroots music venues make to Manchester’s economy and to its identity as one of the world’s leading music cities. This initiative has been made possible through council revenue generated by live concert arena, stadium, and festival activity during what has been a record-breaking year for major events and concert infrastructure throughout the city.

Kate Lowes, Director, Brighter Sound (sector lead Manchester Music City) said: “Our recent research, delivered by the hub, highlighted that business rates relief is one of the sector’s most pressing concerns. It’s therefore fantastic to see Manchester City Council providing this vital funding, with Music Venue Trust administering the grant to ensure support reaches those venues most in need. This kind of evidence-led, collaborative action is exactly what’s needed to strengthen Manchester’s live music ecosystem. We look forward to continuing to work with the Council and partners across the city to ensure that music and creativity can thrive at every level.”

The application form with full details can be found here. Deadline to apply Friday 28th November.