A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save music venues facing permanent closure over the coronavirus pandemic.

Music Venue Trust has announced #saveourvenues, a new national campaign to save hundreds of grassroots music venues at imminent risk of being closed down permanently.

Currently 556 venues are at risk including The Arden Inn in Accrington and The Gallery in Burnley.

Andrew Jackson, from Accrington, who has run The Arden Inn for six years, said: “I am part of the live music trust and they help us with anything we need.

“During the pandemic they wanted to help local music venues because most grassroots places will not get funding and have no money.

“We are still having to pay the rent although staff have been furloughed.”

Last year the 47-year-old’s venue came in the top 15 music venues in the North West.

Mr Jackson said: “It is important for us because without the extra support we may not be able to do live music and it will be six years wasted.

“We may even have to close because everyone who comes in expects there to be live music now, so if we can’t offer it then people will not come in.

“The power companies have sent unrealistic bills while I am closed too.”

Admiral Taverns have cancelled rent for two months for any pubs owned by them, but it is not clear what will happen after this period.

The rebate will help the Arden Inn boss to pay his bills, the rent and prepare for the future re-opening.

He said: “It is like starting the business again from scratch because there is nothing here, it is completely empty.

“Older customers come in during the day as it is the only place they can see people and have a chat.

“I have been doing Zoom live meetings with customers to see how they are because many live on their own and do not see anybody so it’s a worry of mine.”

Mr Jackson took over six years ago from his mum, who ran the pub before him.

One of the main drivers of this initiative is the musician Frank Turner whose recent series of Independent Venue Love shows for local venues Nambucca (London) raised thousands of pounds and provided a major inspiration for this campaign.

Artists will be performing at home in support of their local venues, chosen from a list of venues currently in crisis which can be found at the campaign website.

Donate to the Arden Inn.