Wigan town centre's Boulevard 'may not survive effects of pandemic', manager warns

The Boulevard in Wallgate is one of 30 grassroots music venues (GMV) that has been marked as being in imminent danger of permanent closure, according to the Music Venue Trust (MVT), a registered charity which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues.

The MVT recently announced a new phase of its hugely successful #saveourvenues campaign, which will be focused on securing the future of 30 venues who were ineligible to receive funding from, or wholly or partially unsuccessful in their application to, the recent government backed Cultural Recovery Fund.

These grassroots venues play a crucial role in the development of British music, nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills. These venues also play a vital role in the cultural and economic vibrancy of any village, town or city.

This new "Traffic Light" campaign will highlight venues considered safe until March 31st (Green– 353 venues), those at risk of closure between now and March 31st without additional support (Amber- 273 venues) and those at imminent danger of permanent closure (Red- 30 venues).

The Boulevard's manager Emma Elliott said: “The Boulevard has been described as the hub of Wigan's grassroots live music scene. Located in the heart of the town centre, this unique cellar venue hosts a steady stream of international touring bands, amazing local talent and DIY gigs.

"Head downstairs and you'll find yourself in a perfect live space complete with astounding acoustics and an electric atmosphere; it's no surprise that the Boulevard has an ever-growing reputation of being THE place to see live music in Wigan.

"Without support The Boulevard will not survive the effects of the pandemic”.

A range of targeted activity under the #saveourvenues banner has been announced, based around a combined effort by audiences, local communities, local councils and the creative community to prevent the permanent closure of these remaining GMVs. MVT are now urging everyone who cares about these venues to write to their local MP, council, local charities, and anyone else they can think of to demand action to prevent them being closed for good.

Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, said: “What the #saveourvenues campaign has achieved during the last eight months is truly remarkable. Thanks to the efforts of music fans, local communities and the wider music sector we have raised over £3m in donations and have unlocked over £80m in government assistance to help stave off the imminent closure of over 400 grassroots music venues."

He added: "We are now focusing exclusively on those 30 remaining venues which face immediate permanent closure. If people want these local venues to still be there when this is over there is a very clear call to action: choose a venue, get donating, get writing, get calling, get organised. Save them all. Reopen Every Venue Safely.”

A new crowdfunding initiative has been launched to secure the future of these 30 GMVs. By clicking here, people can choose an individual venue to donate to. If an individual target is reached by a particular venue the surplus donations will go towards supporting other venues in crisis.