Sam Head, manager of Ramsgate Music Hall, says: “I think grassroots venues are struggling hard right now, so to have a feel of community is really important.
“This is great for up-and-coming bands, for them to know how it should be,” she said.
“But I think the important thing to say to people, who aren’t coming out to watch live music lie this, is that they’re missing out.
“There is so much good stuff to take in,” she added.
Supported by The National Lottery, the festival is delivered by the Music Venue Trust, Save Our Scene and the Association of Independent Promoters.
Mark Davyd, chief executive of the Music Venue Trust, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for the grassroots music sector. Seeing hundreds of venues come together across one weekend shows the true strength and scale of the network that underpins live music in the UK.
“Together, this sends a clear message – live music doesn’t just happen in major cities or festival fields – it happens on our high streets, in our towns, and in the spaces communities rely on,” he said.
“This is what solidarity looks like in action, and it sets a powerful benchmark for what we can achieve when venues move forward together.”
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