Grassroots venues get cash boost
The Deaf Institute and Gorilla have both been award government grants
TWO Manchester music venues saved from closure have received funding from a government scheme to support the industry through the pandemic.
Gorilla will receive £31,000 and The Deaf Institute £15,000 from the fund, which is taken from a pot of £3.36 million given to venues across the country.
As well as hosting performances by more underground bands, stars such as Kylie Minogue, The 1975 and Florence and the Machine have taken to their stages.
In July, the firm which owned both venues, Mission Mars, said it had taken the ‘difficult decision’ to close them after problems associated with the pandemic.
About a week later, Tokyo Industries, which runs Factory and South, announced it would be taking over Gorilla and The Deaf Institute.
After the news was announced, Aaron Mellor, founder of Tokyo Industries, said: “These are extremely difficult times for all grassroots music venues around the UK.
“It’s vital venues like Gorilla and The Deaf Institute are kept alive, the cultural fabric of our city centres depends on venues like these.”
Mr Mellor said he had been working with event promoters SSD Concerts and The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess on the rescue plans.
The fund from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will go to 135 music venues across the country.
Others to benefit include The Troubadour in London, The Jacaranda in Liverpool, and The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham.
Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, said: “This Government is here for culture and these grants today show we are determined to help our exceptional music industry weather the Covid storm and come back stronger. “Grassroots music venues are where the magic starts and these emergency grants from our £1.57 billion fund will ensure these music venues survive to create the Adeles and Ed Sheerans of the future.
“I encourage music fans to help too by supporting music and cultural events as they start to get going again. “We need a collective effort to help the things we love through Covid.”
A MAN was hospitalised and suffered serious injuries after being attacked in Bolton.
Police were called to Swinside Road at about 5pm yesterday.
They found an injured man who had been assaulted. He was rushed to hospital with ‘serious’ injuries.
Police are investigating, and have not currently made any arrests. Officers are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Yesterday morning, GMP said: “At around 5pm on Friday 21 August 2020, police were called to a report of an injured male on Swinside Road, Bolton.
“Officers attended and established that a man, in his 30s, had been assaulted.
“The victim has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.
“An investigation is underway. No arrests have been made.
“Anyone with information should contact police quoting 2152 of 21/08/20 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Aaron Mellor, Tokyo Industries