Liverpool Grassroots Music Venues Support Programme

As a UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool is proud to have nurtured emerging talent and provide a platform for local promoters to take their first steps in the music business. 

Grassroots venues have faced many challenges with rising costs, digital platforms and streaming services, making it harder for venues to attract audiences back to in-person gigs. 

This is why we have introduced a pilot grant fund of up to £3,000, in partnership with Music Venues Trust (MVT), to foster local talent and safeguard venues. 

Who can apply? 

If you are a grassroots music venue or promoter in Liverpool, you can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 to support up to six nights of live music programming. In addition to the grant, the programme includes business support and advice, workshops and mentoring. 

Priority is given to: 

• Venues with a capacity of under 300.
• Newly established venues looking to build their reputation as live music platforms for new, original music by Liverpool based artists. 

Before you apply 

You must be able to answer yes to all the following to qualify for the grant: 

• Are you based and operating in Liverpool City Council boundaries?
• Can you deliver Core Pillar 1 by Friday 1st May 2026?
• Can you commit to participate in Core Pillar 2 as recommended (to be completed by Friday 3rd July 2026)?
• Are you compliant with relevant state aid (subsidy control) regulations as a condition of receiving support?
• Are you solvent, with a trading record of at least 2 to 3 years (unless newly established)?
• Do you have up to date health and safety policies, and where required, certification such as fire safety, risk assessments, for example?
• Do you have an equal opportunities or diversity and inclusion policy?
• Can you demonstrate alignment with the council’s values (community engagement, environmental responsibility, safeguarding, anti-discrimination)?
• Do you agree to monitoring requirements, including providing evidence of expenditure, income and event impact? 

You must also be able to answer no to the following: 

• Are you in financial dispute or arrears with Liverpool City Council? 
• Are you part of a larger corporate group? 

If you meet the criteria above and can provide the relevant proof, you can apply. 

How to apply

Apply online below. You must provide the following details: 

• Project proposal including target audience, marketing plan, key partners and how it benefits your venue and local artists. 
• Proposed dates and timescales 
• Proposed budget including artist fees, marketing and venue costs, ticket sales etc. 

Apply online for the grassroots pilot grant

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What happens next?

We will review all eligible applications and carry out the due diligence as outlined in the programme guidance and scoring document.  

Who we fund will be determined by the moderated scores, due diligence results and meeting the key criteria.  

We will notify successful applicants no later than Friday 27th February 2026. 

Unsuccessful applicants will not have the right of appeal.

Further information 

If you have a query that is not included in the programme guidance and scoring document, please email music.fund@liverpool.gov.uk   

Key dates: 

• Applications open: Monday 26th January 2026 
• Application closing date: Friday 13th February 2026, 12 noon. 
• Notification of outcome: No later than Friday 27th February 2026 

Project completion: 

• Core pillar 1: By Friday 1st May 2026 
• Core Pillar 2 as recommended: By Friday 3rd July 2026.