AO Arena joins the movement to save Manchester’s music venues

In a powerful move to support Manchester’s legendary music heritage and the broader UK live music ecosystem, AO Arena has announced its active participation in ASM Global’s groundbreaking partnership with the Music Venue Trust (MVT).

This initiative arrives at a critical moment when grassroots music venues are grappling with unprecedented challenges, threatening the foundation of live music in a city renowned for its unparalleled contributions to music history.

Starting this December, AO Arena, alongside other ASM Global venues across the UK, will spearhead fundraising efforts for MVT, underscoring the essential role grassroots venues play in fostering emerging talent.

From iconic names like The Smiths, Oasis, and The Stone Roses to contemporary trailblazers, Manchester’s thriving music culture owes much to its smaller, independent venues—the lifeblood of the industry.

A lifeline for struggling grassroots venues

Smaller venues are facing mounting difficulties due to rising operational costs, the lingering impact of the pandemic, and the shifting dynamics of the music industry.

These venues aren’t just performance spaces; they are the launchpads for new talent, offering artists their first stage and fans the intimate experiences that build lifelong connections to music.

Without them, the next generation of Manchester’s—and the UK’s—music legends may never have the chance to take off.

Recognising this urgency, ASM Global and MVT’s partnership aims to protect these critical spaces.

Fans attending events at AO Arena will now have multiple opportunities to contribute, whether through direct donations at bars and concourses, ticket purchases, or engaging with MVT’s work displayed within the venue.

In a significant show of solidarity, AO Arena will donate £1 from every ticket sold for Katy Perry’s UK leg of The Lifetimes Tour directly to MVT. These funds will help safeguard the future of grassroots venues, ensuring their doors stay open for the next wave of musical talent.

Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe, emphasised the interconnectedness of the live music industry: “Our industry starts with the grassroots.

“As an interconnected ecosystem, these venues lay the foundation for artists to perform, fans to discover, and the industry to thrive. Through this partnership, we are able to harness the power of our venues and fans to help ensure the survival of the grassroots—the place where headliners of the future are made.”

Manchester’s musical legacy

From The Haçienda to Band on the Wall, Manchester’s history is steeped in iconic venues that have shaped the global music landscape. Yet, these smaller spaces are increasingly at risk, jeopardising the city’s reputation as a hub for musical innovation and creativity.

Mark Davyd, CEO of MVT, praised ASM Global’s commitment, noting their understanding of grassroots venues’ significance: “Their venues may be big, but they’re run by teams of true music fans, many of whom started their careers in local venues. Support from ASM Global is an essential part of recognising that we are all part of one great big ecosystem, and that a strong and thriving grassroots sector is vital for the future of the whole live music industry.”

Why it matters

The partnership highlights an urgent truth: without the grassroots, there is no live music industry. Iconic spaces like Manchester’s smaller venues provide artists with the opportunity to hone their craft, connect with fans, and begin their journey to larger stages like AO Arena. By supporting this campaign, music fans can directly contribute to preserving the cultural heartbeat of their communities and the music that defines them.

ASM Global and MVT are inviting fans across the country to join this mission throughout December and January. With every ticket purchased, every pint poured, and every donation made, fans can ensure that Manchester and the UK continue to produce the musical greats of tomorrow.

To learn more or contribute to the campaign, visit the Music Venue Trust website by clicking here

Together, we can keep live music thriving in Manchester and beyond.