*CORRECTION: Blane McNab, Bar and Operations Manager, at The Court House Bangor wrote the report mentioned in this episode on reusable plastic cups*

The Last Safe Space a straight-talking, data-driven podcast from Music Venue Trust. Each episode breaks down the biggest news affecting the UK’s grassroots music venues - from government policy to local wins, campaigns, crisis cases, and how you can take action to support live music.

In this episode, Toni is joined by Charlie and Lala to explore the values that sit at the heart of grassroots music venues. Moving beyond funding and survival, the conversation looks at ethics, care, and culture, from sustainability and access to diversity, transparency, and community impact.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 08/01/2026

Join the Supporters Circle:
https://save-our-venues.backstreetmer...

Learn more about our work:
https://www.musicvenuetrust.com

Support the show

The Last Safe Space a straight-talking, data-driven podcast from Music Venue Trust. Each episode breaks down the biggest news affecting the UK’s grassroots music venues - from government policy to local wins, campaigns, crisis cases, and how you can take action to support live music.

In this special episode, Toni and Mark unpack the findings of MVT’s brand Annual Report for 2025. They dig into what the data really shows about the state of grassroots music venues across the UK.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 08/01/2026

Join the Supporters Circle:
https://save-our-venues.backstreetmerch.com/

Learn more about our work:
https://www.musicvenuetrust.com

Support the show

The Last Safe Space a straight-talking, data-driven podcast from Music Venue Trust. Each episode breaks down the biggest news affecting the UK’s grassroots music venues - from government policy to local wins, campaigns, crisis cases, and how you can take action to support live music.

In this episode, Toni Coe sits down with Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, for a reflective conversation about the state of the grassroots music sector at the start of a new year. Looking back to January 2020 and the long period of survival that followed, they explore why 2025 was not the year the sector turned the corner, but why the foundations now feel stronger than they have in years.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 08/01/2026

Join the Supporters Circle:
https://save-our-venues.backstreetmerch.com

Learn more about our work:
https://www.musicvenuetrust.com

Support the show