Music venues in North Wales among hundreds at risk of closure due to coronavirus crisis

Several well known music venues in North Wales are among hundreds across the UK facing the risk of closure due to the coronavirus crisis.

Leading ticket site Ticketmaster shows more than 1,000 music gigs were cancelled in the first fortnight of May alone due to the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

It means the main source of income for most gig venues has dried up, with 82 per cent warning they may have to shut down for good before the end of the month.

A recent survey by the Music Venue Trust (MVT) has found 554 of its 670 member venues are under threat of “imminent closure” with the industry now calling for targeted government support.

Among the venues in the region feeling the pinch is the Blue Bell in Conwy, which has launched a Crowdfunder appeal to raise funds.

In a post on the page, the pubs owners said: “Our venue faces possible closure like many others because without trade or income we will not be able cover ongoing costs such as rent, insurance, utilities, security, wages and maintenance.

“There will also be significant initial costs to reopen at whatever point in the future we’re able to do so. If that reopen is anytime beyond the summer season our situation will be even more precarious.

“Your donations will be used to carry some of the weight of those costs and if possible contribute to some of the little venue improvement projects that we’re already working on while we’re closed.

“If we can hold this wonderful space for you all until that magic moment of the lockdown lifting just imagine how exciting it will be to welcome you all back for super gigs and great vibes.”

Community arts centre Neuadd Ogwen, which is based on Bethesda High Street, is another venue facing an uncertain future.

It has hosted a wide range of events since it opened in 2014 including concerts, classes, plays, movies and gigs, but is now feeling the pinch (You can find the venue’s Crowdfunder appeal here).

The co-operative which runs it said: “The global COVID-19 pandemic has created a very uncertain landscape for millions of British small businesses, which is going to make it very difficult for a non-profit business like ourselves to pay overheads and support our staff while we are closed.

“We are aiming to crowdfund as much as possible to take the pressure of our team who depend on their work and income from Neuadd Ogwen.

“Once the threat and risk of COVID-19 has passed we plan on re-opening as usual and would like to continue to support the community and local projects in the same way as we do at the moment.”

A noteworthy fixture on the North Wales music circuit is the Tivoli in Buckley, known locally as “The Tiv”.

The iconic club has played host to famous acts such as Oasis, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Radiohead over the years.

It is also part of a national initiative launched by MVT to prevent the closure of hundreds of independent music venues.

The owners said: “Our venue faces closure because lack of monies coming in due to being closed down.

“Your donations will be used to help maintain the venue and cover costs

“If we hit our target, and we can prevent the closure of our venue, everything above the amount we need will be donated to the Music Venue Trust GMV Crisis Fund to protect other venues just like ours, right across the country.”