Bristol Music Fund is a new economic model rooted in community power

Bristol Nights is building something designed to last, where the people who create the vibe, have a say in the future.

We are engaging with a community of venues, promoters, artists and music lovers working together to create a self-sustaining fund and a long-term investment in Bristol’s music culture.

A community-owned model for long-term cultural investment

We will establish a new Community Benefit Society (CBS), owned by the music community, managing a 1% fee on all music tickets in the city will generate £400k to £1m every year, to invest in Bristol Music.

Bristol Music Fund is about supporting our musical heritage and making space  for what’s next.

Bristol’s ticket economy generates between £42m and £70m per year.

78 percent of venues hold under 1,000 people but capture only 32 percent of revenue.

If adopted citywide, the levy could raise £400k to  £1m annually.

93 percent of audiences surveyed are comfortable paying an extra 1 percent to support Bristol’s music sector.

Four pillars of support

Venues

The spaces where music happens and communities gather together.

Events

The activity, booking, programming and creativity that make the scene vibrant.

Music Makers

The artists, producers, DJs, bands and creators who  shape Bristol’s sound.

Foundational Ecosystem

The infrastructure, people, innovation and culture that hold the whole system together.

September 25, 2025

Bristol Music Fund – Roadmap to the Future

On 22 September 2025, Bristol City Council’s Economy and Skills Policy Committee approved the implementation of the roadmap to establish a Community Benefit Society (CBS) to manage the Bristol Music Fund.

March 2, 2025

State Of Independent Venues: Could our cities fall silent?

Carly Heath had the privilege of joining Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music as part of Independent Venue Week to discuss the future of Bristol’s independent music venues and what’s at stake if closures continue and our city’s vibrant music culture falls silent.

A Ticket to the Future

Bristol Music Fund - A Ticket to the Future - 6th Nov - Bristol Beacon

Bristol Music Fund is not just music fund - it is new economic model, rooted in community power.

Bristol Music Fund - Have your say

Join the conversation on the future of Bristol's music. Share your views in the Bristol Music Survey and help create a sustainable fund to support local music.

Bold new strategy being developed to secure Bristol’s grassroots music scene

After a successful roundtable, Bristol City Council is continuing its discussions with industry experts into new proposals to support Bristol’s vibrant music sector.