Support the show

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 is joined by Sophie, Music Venue Trust’s Venue Support Manager, for a Big Friday Round-Up exploring a week of major developments across the grassroots music sector. From Music Venue Trust’s first event at Stormont and a significant House of Lords vote on statutory Agent of Change, to the launch of the Fan-Led Review placing audiences at the centre of the conversation, they unpack what this growing political and public attention really means. Alongside this, they look at ongoing work on PRS discrepancies and investment in venue infrastructure, and what it all signals for the future of grassroots venues.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 22/04/2026

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 episode of The Last Safe Space, Toni sits down with Sarah Taylor - licensing specialist and MVT Guru - to unpack the hidden systems that shape whether grassroots music venues survive or disappear. From noise complaints and licensing reviews to redevelopment pressures and late-night policy, Sarah explores the legal challenges venues face just to keep the lights on. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience supporting hospitality and live music spaces across the UK, Sarah reflects on the growing pressures facing independent venues - and why trust, communication, and community are often key to keeping culture alive.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 22/04/2026

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 episode, Toni is joined by George Fleming from Save Our Scene for a conversation about the urgent need to protect and rebuild the UK’s grassroots live music ecosystem. From the origins of the campaign to the realities facing venues, artists and promoters today, they explore why structural change is needed now, and how initiatives like Liveline and Everywhere At Once are designed to create practical, long-term support for the communities that sustain live music.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 22/04/2026

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 episode, Sean Adams, founder of the pioneering online music publication Drowned in Sound, joins Toni for a conversation about the role of independent journalism in shaping grassroots music culture. From its beginnings as a late-90s newsletter to becoming one of the most influential music communities of the early internet era, Drowned in Sound helped launch artists, writers and entire scenes.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 05/03/2026

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 speaks to Jim Walsh, CEO of Conway Hall Ethical Society and author of Ethics Starts With You, about the role of ethics in grassroots music venues. Together they explore the Ethical Venues project, the power and risk of publicly stating values, and how venues can create spaces that are both principled and welcoming.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 05/03/2026

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 episode, Toni Coe sits down with Omar Lye-Fook, an absolute legend in British soul, about 40 years in the music business and his upcoming ‘Brighter the Days’ tour with MVT and AGMP. They discuss the beauty of intimate shows in grassroots venues (with a special shoutout to Alphabet in Brighton), the power of community and connection when you’re up close with the audience, and the importance of protecting these spaces for generations to come.

Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 04/02/2026

Get tickets for Omar's tour:
https://omarmusic.co.uk/events/

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

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

Support the show