Nominate your UK music venue to win Fender gear
When the music industry faces tough economic headwinds, the spotlight often shines brightest on the vibrant, yet fragile, grassroots venues that form the heart of live music. But sometimes, the solution isn’t just good intentions—it’s a tangible partnership and a willingness to invest in the places that make music happen.
That’s exactly what the Music Venue Trust (MVT) and Fender are doing. They have teamed up to launch an exciting new initiative designed to bring some serious gear and vital support to the local music scene across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The campaign invites music fans everywhere to put their favourite local venues forward for recognition. The goal is to identify and celebrate the venues that deserve the most support, and the rewards are epic. Three winning venues, one proudly chosen from each region, will be selected based on the highest number of regional nominations.
These winning venues won’t just receive recognition; they will receive a custom-tailored gear bundle from the iconic Fender brand. This package is a treasure trove for any musician or venue manager, including a Hot Rod Deluxe IV amplifier, a Rumble 200 bass amp, an Acoustic SFX II amplifier, a 5150® Iconic® Series 40W EL34 1×12 Combo, and a StudioLive SE Digital Console Mixer, all sized specifically for the venue’s needs.
To make the opportunity even more appealing, every venue nomination enters the fan into a draw for a Fender 75th Anniversary Player II Sparkle Precision Bass. It’s a chance for fans to vote for their favourite spot while also entering a competition for some seriously desirable musical equipment.
This effort comes at a critical time. The music sector has been grappling with severe financial challenges. Reports revealed that the UK’s grassroots music scene was facing potential “complete collapse” without immediate intervention, with 125 venues shutting their doors in 2023.
The economic reality is stark: in 2025, over half of UK grassroots venues reported making no profit, and the sector lost 6,000 jobs. As MVT COO Beverley Whitrick noted, “Grassroots music venues cannot keep being expected to survive on goodwill and admiration alone. If the UK music industry is serious about protecting the talent pipeline, then it has to get serious about the economics that underpin it.”
While there has been some government support in recent years—including a package of assistance following backlash over devastating business rates—the fight for sustainable funding continues. Calls are ongoing for arenas and stadiums to voluntarily contribute to the £1 ticket levy. Although the government has backed this initiative, the industry is currently waiting for the sector to self-legislate the levy before formal action is taken.
The reality of voluntary contributions shows the scale of the challenge: in 2025, only 8.8% of shows signed up to the levy, falling far short of the expected 50% target. This underscores the urgent need for robust, systemic solutions to ensure that the brilliant, grassroots venues that fuel the UK music scene can thrive.
By combining the emotional appeal of a fan-driven campaign with high-value industry support, the MVT and Fender initiative offers more than just a prize; it offers a powerful reminder that supporting local music isn’t just about goodwill—it’s about securing the future of an essential cultural landscape.
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