Manchester music legend steps in to help young bands against unfair merch fees
- Written by Thom Bamford
- Last updated 19 seconds ago
- City of Manchester, Featured, Music
For too long, bands and artists have faced unfair cuts from their own hard-earned merchandise sales.
Now, Manchester music legend Tim Burgess is stepping up to help bands fight back. The Charlatans frontman has announced the Manchester Merch Market, a powerful initiative that allows musicians to sell their merch commission-free, keeping every penny for themselves.
The Merch Market
The Merch Market will take place on 25th May across three iconic Manchester venues: O2 Ritz, Gorilla, and Dog Bowl.
The all-day event will feature live performances, DJ sets, panel discussions, and even a headline set from Burgess himself. He’ll also host a stall packed with his own collection of merch and rare finds, including a limited run of Charlatans ‘Sproston Green’ sports bags available exclusively at the event.
“The Merch Market is a chance for bands and solo artists to dig out those forgotten gems from storage, whip up some exclusive new designs, and connect directly with their fans,” Burgess said.
“There’s no stall fee, no commission, just a celebration of the creativity that makes our music scene so special.”
He also teased an exciting partnership with Print Manchester for on-the-spot merch printing, offering fans the chance to take home fresh, custom designs.
Fighting for fairness
The Merch Market is the latest step in Burgess’s ongoing campaign against venues taking commissions from artists’ merchandise sales. His advocacy has seen over 400 venues across the UK pledge to become ‘100% Venues’, agreeing not to take cuts from artists’ profits.
“Artists rely on merch sales to make a living,” Tim added. “This market is all about supporting musicians and making sure they’re the ones benefiting from their own work.”
Get involved
Artists and merch makers interested in taking part can apply for a free stall via the Help Us Help Bands website.
You can visit that by clicking here
Fans attending on the day can expect surprises, including giveaways of signed vinyl test pressings, rare merch, and VIP tickets to Kendal Calling 2025.
With Manchester’s musical heart beating stronger than ever, the Merch Market promises to be a standout celebration of independent creativity.
- This article was last updated 19 seconds ago.
- It was first published on 21 March 2025 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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