Last month, Music Venue Trust wrote a letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson asking him to legally close venues temporarily to avoid the permanent closure of grassroots venues.

Independent venues have since closed their doors, but are still having to pay extortionate business rates and wages for staff. Some have applied for grants, but at the moment hundreds of venues around the UK are still at risk of permanent closure.

This morning (27 April), Music Venue Trust launched the #saveourvenues campaign, which aims to help the 556 grassroots venues around the UK avoid closure with the help of donations.

At the time of writing this article, they've raised over £2,800, and are aiming to hit a £100,000 target in 26 days.

Musicians will be hosting live performances in support of the campaign, and each independent venue will soon have its own fundraising page. If the venues exceed their individual targets, the excess money will be donated to the general #saveourcampaigns fundraiser.

Much-loved venues such as London's The Lexington, The Windmill, The Waiting Room, Paper Dress Vintage, and more are currently at risk of permanent closure due to the ongoing pandemic.