London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, Has Pledged £450,000 To Help Grassroots Music Venues

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The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has pledged an emergency fund of £450,000 to help 141 of London’s grassroots venues.

Khan wrote on twitter “London’s world-leading music venues have been devastated by the impact of COVID-19. That’s why I’m giving £450,000 to support 141 grassroots venues across our city, tailored to their unique needs, such as rent disputes, local council discussions, or direct financial aid.”

London’s world-leading music venues have been devastated by the impact of COVID-19. That’s why I’m giving £450,000 to support 141 grassroots venues across our city, tailored to their unique needs, such as rent disputes, local council discussions, or direct financial aid.

— Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) September 21, 2020

In a statement posted on the mayor of London website, Sadiq Khan said “London’s music scene is the envy of the world and integral to our economy at night, but it has been devastated by the impact of Covid-19. I am pleased that we have been able to support music venues with essential advice and support to stay in business, and provide funding for those most in need to cover rent and other ongoing expenses at this challenging time.”

The Mayor will also be giving help and advice to venues through the Culture at Risk Office and the London Growth Hub and lobbying the government with Amy Lamé, Night Czar, to get venues the support they need. This includes extending the furlough scheme for the culture sector. Recently a petition was created to extend furlough scheme for those in the events industry. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/329174

This comes at a time when many music venues continue to struggle and face closure due to ongoing restrictions as a result of coronavirus. Over the weekend the legendary london rock bar The Crobar announced that it would be closing it’s doors.