Sunrise – Episode 17, The Last Safe Space

The Last Safe Space a straight-talking, data-driven podcast from Music Venue Trust. Each episode breaks down the biggest news affecting the UK’s grassroots music venues – from government policy to local wins, campaigns, crisis cases, and how you can take action to support live music. In this episode, Toni Coe sits down with Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, for a reflective conversation about the state of the grassroots music sector at the start of a new year. Looking back to January 2020 and the long period of survival that followed, they explore why 2025 was not the year the sector turned the corner, but why the foundations now feel stronger than they have in years. Disclaimer: All data is correct on the date of filming 08/01/2026 Join the Supporters Circle: https://save-our-venues.backstreetmerch.com/collections/membership Learn more about our work: https://www.musicvenuetrust.com