Milton Keynes City Council is investing £40,000 to boost the city’s grassroots music venues, injecting fresh energy into the night‑time economy with free gigs, new DJ nights and platforms for emerging local talent.
The Craufurd Arms (Wolverton), MK11 (Kiln Farm), The Stables (Wavendon) and Unit Nine (Wolverton) will each benefit from the funding to expand their event programmes and strengthen opportunities for local artists. The city council recognises the important role that grassroots music venues play in the city’s cultural life, especially for young people seeking creative experiences on their doorstep. These independent venues nurture local talent, create jobs in the creative industries and support the city’s night-time economy, which the city council is committed to continue to grow.
- The Craufurd Arms will use the funding on a programme of live showcases, giving local bands the chance to perform on a professional stage and walk away with high quality recordings and video content.
- MK11 plans to unleash a run of free entry gigs that will bring visitors closer to live music while paying artists fairly and widening access for audiences.
- Unit Nine will grow its FUTURE SOUNDS events, opening the door for aspiring DJs and producers to play in front of hundreds and gain experience on the same stage that hosts national names.
Applicants were identified using the Music Venues Trust’s definition of a Grassroots Music Venue, which identifies independent venues focused on developing new and emerging talent. These venues reinvest in their communities and operate with limited profit margins while placing cultural value at the heart of their work.
As Milton Keynes grows and exciting new entertainment locations and opportunities come forward, it’s important that the incredible independent music venues crucial to the cultural scene in our city aren’t forgotten. These are where many bands and artists make their start, where music can be more accessible and affordable, and where many of us have memories of nights out with friends. I can’t wait to see the benefits of this funding in action.