‘Everywhere At Once’, the UK’s nationwide grassroots music festival raised £100,000/$135,000 USD for four leading music and youth charities following its inaugural edition last summer.
The funds have been equally distributed, with War Child, Help Musicians, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Nordoff and Robbins each receiving a £25,000 donation to support their vital initiatives.
The Power of the Grassroots Ecosystem
Powered by The National Lottery, the festival was put together by the Music Venue Trust (MVT) alongside Save Our Scene and the Association of Independent Promoters. The core mission was to celebrate the vital role of grassroots music venues in the UK’s live music ecosystem while demonstrating the collective strength of the independent sector.
The scope of the festival highlights massive industry mobilization:
- Massive Venue Participation: More than 400 grassroots music venues took part across the country.
- High Event Volume: Venues hosted over 1,000 separate events.
- Artist Showcases: Over 2,000 artists took to the stages, bridging the gap between local communities and live music.
Along with rising stars, established stars like Becky Hill, Rizzle Kicks, and Fatboy Slim returned to the small rooms that built their careers, sharing the weekend with thousands of emerging artists.
Where the £100,000 is Going
The £100,000 was raised through a combination of public donations, contributions from participating venues, promoters, and artists, as well as a donation from the festival's ticketing partner, Ticketmaster.
The funding will support crucial work across music, health, and youth welfare:
- War Child: Protecting children affected by conflict. Jim Benner of War Child noted that 1 in 5 children globally are affected by conflict, meaning 520 million are exposed to the violence of war, taken out of education, and in vital need of protection and specialist mental health support. The money raised will help provide this vital work.
- Help Musicians: Providing practical and financial support. Chief Executive Sarah Woods emphasized that they see the daily challenges musicians face to build sustainable careers due to financial, physical, and psychological health hurdles. The generous donation will help provide vital support to keep more people in music.
- Teenage Cancer Trust: Supporting young people with cancer. Jeremy Scott, Co-Director of Engagement, stated that the funds will support specialist nurses and youth workers who help young people facing cancer through the toughest times of their lives.
- Nordoff and Robbins: Using music therapy to assist those with life-limiting illnesses and disabilities. Director of Fundraising Sandy Trappitt shared that the funds will deliver music therapy to some of the most vulnerable people in the UK, fostering connection and unlocking creativity.
Sarah Slater, Managing Director at Ticketmaster UK, perfectly encapsulated the industry sentiment, noting that seeing the grassroots community come together to raise money is a "powerful reminder of what live music can achieve when the whole sector pulls together".
Hypebot’s Bottom Line
The success of Everywhere At Once is a testament to the resilience and cultural importance of the grassroots sector. At a time when independent venues are facing unprecedented financial pressures, soaring operational costs, and the looming threat of closures, they still managed to unite, pull off over 1,000 shows, and generate money for charity.
As Music Venue Trust's Rebecca Walker stated, the festival was ultimately about "the fans who walked down the road to see a show in a room they love."
This initiative proves that grassroots venues are not just stepping stones for tomorrow's arena headliners; they are the heart of local communities and a powerful force for philanthropic good.