Two legendary grassroots music venues — The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol — have officially gained permanent protected status, ensuring their doors stay open for future generations of artists and fans. Both venues, where acts like Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, PJ Harvey, Oasis, IDLES, and Wet Leg honed their early sounds, are now part of a growing movement to preserve the UK’s cultural heartbeat.
The initiative comes from Music Venue Properties (MVP) — a subsidiary of Music Venue Trust (MVT) — known as the National Trust for Grassroots Music Venues. The project’s goal is simple but vital: to remove venues from vulnerable commercial leases by buying their freeholds and placing them into community ownership.
“We want to thank every single person who has bought a share in the scheme and ensured The Joiners’ future,” said venue operator Ricky Bates. “As one of the most important live music venues ever to exist in the UK, this is a win for all independent live music across the globe.”
A Win for Bristol and Southampton
In Bristol, The Croft has long been a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant scene. “Now, with MVP as the landlord, we know that this legendary venue will be part of Bristol’s unique music ecosystem for generations to come,” said Marc Griffiths of World Famous Dive Bars.
Since launching in 2022, the Own Our Venues campaign has raised nearly £4 million, combining grassroots investment — with fans buying shares from as little as £50 — and crucial support from cultural partners like Arts Council England, which contributed £500,000 toward the effort.
The Joiners and The Croft now join other community-owned venues including The Snug (Atherton), The Ferret (Preston), Le Pub (Newport), The Bunkhouse (Swansea), and The Booking Hall (Dover).
Support from Artists and Fans Alike
More than 2,000 investors have already backed the campaign, including Terry and Lesley Marshall of Marshall Amplification, Katie Melua, and Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that these buildings are protected from development,” said Tilbrook. “They’re essential for fostering local talent and keeping cultural spaces accessible.”
Frank Turner, who began his career playing at The Joiners, praised MVT’s work:
“I simply would not be doing what I do today without that space. Music Venue Trust has long stood at the forefront of saving our vital cultural heritage.”
Meanwhile, IDLES frontman Joe Talbot celebrated The Croft’s protection:
“It’s the grassroots venues that are the birthplace of revolution. Thank you to Music Venue Properties so we can Own Our Venues.”
The Fight Isn’t Over
MVP’s campaign is now 82% toward its £1.5 million target, which aims to secure seven more venues: Esquires (Bedford), The Sugarmill (Stoke-on-Trent), Peggy’s Skylight (Nottingham), The Pipeline (Brighton), Northern Guitars (Leeds), Gut Level (Sheffield), and Little Buildings (Newcastle).
Music fans can continue to invest through OwnOurVenues.com until November 14, 2025.
“This marks a historic milestone for Music Venue Properties,” said Matt Otridge, COO of Own Our Venues. “But the work isn’t over — many more venues remain under threat.”
A Cultural Future Secured
Dr Claire Mera-Nelson, Director of Music at Arts Council England, added:
“Both The Croft and The Joiners have launched the careers of treasured UK artists. We’re thrilled to see them safeguarded through such incredible community support.”
MVP’s innovative “cultural lease” model ensures venues benefit from fair rent, stable ownership, and ongoing operational support, giving operators the freedom to focus on what matters most — bringing live music to their communities.
Find out more about supporting grassroots music venues at ownourvenues.com and musicvenueproperties.com.
