The Cheese and Grain has hosted a national gathering of grassroots music venues, bringing together venue operators from across the country to share ideas, discuss challenges and explore ways to strengthen the live music scene.
The meeting, held last month, was organised by the Music Venue Trust (MVT), a charity that protects, secures and improves grassroots music venues. It offered attendees the chance to network, share updates, and access practical support and resources.
“We were incredibly proud to be chosen to host the meeting here in Frome, especially as it was, to our knowledge, the first time an MVT gathering of this kind has been held outside a major city,” said Programme, Production and Marketing Manager Rob Dahl.
The Cheese and Grain was selected to showcase the vital role that non-city venues play in the UK’s live music ecosystem. “As a rural, community-owned venue, we’re seen as a strong example of how a grassroots space can successfully support both local audiences and national touring acts,” said Rob.
Hosting the event in Frome helped shine a spotlight on the importance of regional venues in sustaining and growing the UK’s touring infrastructure, not just for big names, but for emerging artists and the wider music community the venue supports.
“The Cheese and Grain is incredibly proud to be part of the Music Venue Trust because we share a common mission: to protect, secure and celebrate the vital role that grassroots music venues play in the UK’s cultural landscape,” said Rob.
“As a community-owned, not-for-profit social enterprise, the Cheese and Grain has always been about more than just live music. We’re a space where new talent is nurtured, where the community comes together and where music is accessible to all.
“Being part of the Music Venue Trust connects us with a national network of like-minded venues and gives us access to the tools, support and advocacy we need to continue doing what we do best.”
Through MVT, the Cheese and Grain is able to stay informed on critical issues like planning laws, rights management and venue sustainability.
Rob said, “We’re proud to stand alongside other iconic venues in the fight to keep grassroots music alive. Being part of the Music Venue Trust provides us with vital support that helps protect and strengthen the Cheese and Grain not just for today, but for future generations of music lovers, artists and the wider community.
“The MVT helps us navigate the complex challenges that grassroots venues face, giving us the tools and confidence to keep delivering high-quality live music and community events. Through their national campaigns and partnerships, we also gain access to funding opportunities, training and resources that allow us to improve our facilities and keep our events accessible. Schemes they have run have been directly responsible for artists such as Wolf Alice, The Vaccines and Everything Everything performing at the venue.
“For Frome, this support means much more than just live music. It means a thriving cultural hub that attracts visitors, boosts the local economy and creates more opportunities for musicians, artists and music professionals.
“It means jobs, footfall for local businesses and a stronger sense of identity and pride in our town.
“With MVT behind us, we’re not just surviving, we’re growing, innovating and making sure Frome remains firmly on the map as a destination for arts and culture.”
Pictured: Rob Dahl and Director Steve Macarthur with MVT members Sophie Asquith, Toni Coe-Brooker, Lala Oyegun and Gareth Kelly
