Recognising those challenges, efforts to support new music are springing up around the UK.
In Halifax, proceeds from shows at The Piece Hall, an outdoor venue that can hold up to 6,000 people, help to subsidise five other, smaller venues.
Liverpool’s city council offers grants of up to £3,000 to venues with a capacity of less than 30.
And in London, the O2 and the Royal Albert Hall both donate money from ticket sales to the grassroots scene.
There are calls for the government to add a £1 levy to all arena and stadium gigs, but, so far, ministers seem inclined to keep the scheme voluntary.
But some promoters and artists have been accused of “dawdling” on the issue. Only 30% of concerts have included the levy this year.
Meanwhile, this February, nightclubs and grassroots spaces were excluded from the business rates relief scheme, despite the venues’ rateable value skyrocketing by 56% since 2017.
Tilbrook says that needs to change.
“I think there needs to be legislation [to protect venues], even if it’s just a cut in VAT,” he argues.
“If there’s no provision for low-key or cheaper entertainment, then those places will disappear.
“I’ve already seen it happen.”
The Everywhere At Once Festival, produced with the support of the National Lottery, runs from 26-28 June.
You can find the shows nearest to you on the Everywherefest website., external
