UK live venues
Playing live at a small music venue is a rite of passage for any aspiring artist. Small music venues create the most incredible atmospheres, intimate vibes and interesting stories. If you want to discover the best small music venues in your area, you’re in the right place.
From the outside, some of them may seem like just another bar, meeting place or public building. But to passionate musicians and gig-goers, they mean so much more. Within the four walls of these venues, crowds are inspired and great music comes to life.
Sadly, we’ve lost many venues at a pretty alarming rate in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including noise complaints, property development and complicated licensing restrictions. However, we as a country need to do everything we can to continue supporting these venues.
After all, small music venues don’t just matter to the people who play in them, or the people who visit them. They matter to the economy, through the millions of pounds in revenue and thousands of jobs they generate. They matter to Paul McCartney, who publicly backed a Parliament bill to prevent live venues like these from closure. Ultimately, they matter to our country’s cultural identity.
In the words of John Spellar MP, who led the nationwide Agent of Change campaign to save live music venues from closure – "Small music venues make Britain a more attractive destination."
As well as being vibrant, enjoyable places in which to perform, these venues also have some truly incredible tales to tell. From King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow where Oasis were signed, to the Jacaranda where The Beatles played their first live show, discover these stories for yourself and find out why the UK’s live music scene is celebrated the world over.
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Don't forget!
Any musician who plays live should have Public Liability insurance. If you’re a singer, DJ or band you’re probably already aware of this as most places you play will ask to see proof of your cover. Insure4Music's specialist cover insures you in case you injure someone else, or cause damage to a venue when playing.