Music venue could 'open forever' with charity aid

Bedford Esquires, a beloved grassroots music venue, is seeking support from a new charity campaign that could help it remain open indefinitely. This venue has a rich history, having hosted renowned artists such as Coldplay and Lizzo. The Music Venue Properties (MVP), which is part of the charity Music Venue Trust, aims to purchase Bedford Esquires using funds raised through crowdfunding efforts. Currently, the venue has just over five years left on its lease, and the landlord is planning to retire. Unfortunately, the current owners of Esquires do not have the financial means to buy the property themselves. Gareth Barber, the director of Esquires, expressed, 'If MVP buys it, then it will be owned by the community. This essentially means the venue can never close because the trust will provide a long lease as soon as they take over. ' Bedford Esquires first opened its doors in 1990 and has been a significant platform for many artists. The venue features outdoor lighting that enhances its courtyard ambiance at night, and it includes a seating area made from a repurposed shipping container. Over the years, numerous famous musicians have graced the stage, including Muse, George Ezra, and Wolf Alice. Additionally, it has served as a launching pad for local talents like Tom Grennan, Alfie Templeman, and Don Broco. Recently, the venue hosted a concert for AJ Tracey, and Irish artist CMAT is scheduled to perform in June. Mr. Barber noted, 'Business has never been better. Our schedule is packed, and we are doing really well, but we only have five and a half years left on our lease, and our landlord wants to retire. The only person interested in buying such a large piece of land in the town center is likely to want to convert it into flats. Sadly, we face the real possibility of Bedford losing this venue within the next five years. ' Wolf Alice, who have won both the Mercury Prize and Brit Awards, have performed at Bedford Esquires on two occasions. Through its Own Our Venues campaign, MVP allows music fans to contribute funds and become investors in venues across the UK. In 2023, they successfully raised £2. 88 million, securing the future of five venues, including Bunkhouse in Swansea and The Ferret in Preston. Their latest campaign also targets The Sugarmill in Stoke-on-Trent and The Joiners in Southampton. MVP is also focused on protecting key community hubs such as The Croft in Bristol, Peggy's Skylight in Nottingham, The Lubber Fiend in Newcastle, and The Pipeline in Brighton. In a statement, MVP emphasized, 'The aim is to provide long-term stability to venues that are essential for fostering local talent and providing cultural value to existing local infrastructure. ' Mr. Barber concluded, 'With MVP's support, we can continue to grow and build a solid foundation for our future.