Permanent closure fears as well known Doncaster entertainment venue placed on 'critical' list

The Music Venue Trust today named Woolpack Live, at Doncaster Market Place, as one of the most at risk gig venues which are under threat after missing out on Cultural Recovery Fund money.

The trust says all 30 of the venues announced today play a crucial role in the development of British music, nurturing local talent, as well as a vital role in the cultural and economic vibrancy of the borough.

Its new ‘Traffic Light’ campaign highlights venues considered safe until March 31 (green), those at risk of closure between now and March 31 without additional support (amber) and those at imminent danger of permanent closure (red).

Woolpack Live is one of those 30 venues that has been marked as being in imminent danger of permanent closure.

Co-owner Chris Jones said: ”Woolpack Live has been at the rocking heart of Doncaster’s music scene for the last seven years, run by music fans for music fans.

"Hosting over 100 gigs each year 2020 has seen the venue fall silent but we aim to be back and supporting our wonderful audiences and local artists soon. With everything from rock and blues to punk and folk we are proud to be an independent music venue and bar and helping to provide a safe place for the alternative community to come together.

“We are asking for your support to help us survive through this difficult time and keep bringing live music to Doncaster. We are one of 30 venues identified by Music Venue Trust as being at real threat of closure at this time and with your help and support we can make it through."

Mark Davyd, chief executive of Music Venue Trust, said: “We are now focusing exclusively on those 30 remaining venues which face immediate permanent closure. If people want these local venues to still be there when this is over there is a very clear call to action: choose a venue, get donating, get writing, get calling, get organised. Save them all. Reopen Every Venue Safely.”

A new crowdfunding initiative powered by Crowdfunder has been launched to secure the future of these 30 GMVs.

Click here to donate to the crowd funding appeal.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.