UK Venues Offer Beds to Touring Musicians to Cut Costs

A new UK scheme by the Music Venue Trust (MVT) encourages grassroots venues to provide accommodation for touring artists, addressing financial pressures from the cost of living crisis and rising fuel costs. Voodoo Daddy's in Norwich is an early participant, installing triple-stack bunk beds and showers. Owner Ben Street folds accommodation into performance deals, allowing artists to accept lower fees in exchange for free stays, avoiding expensive hotels. The Jump Cuts, a Florida-based indie band, will stay there later this year. MVT CEO Mark Davyd says 27 venues are in talks, with half of member venues having potential space. The Cornish Bank in Falmouth offers residencies, and Leicester's Firebug owner Matt Kirk sees accommodation as a way to attract artists bypassing the city, potentially lowering ticket prices. MVT aims to make touring more sustainable beyond short-term emergency support.