AN INDEPENDENT music venue is hoping for a more stable 12 months following the difficulties posed by the pandemic, cost of living crisis, and unreliable bus networks.
Like all grassroots music venues, The Snug in Atherton has been hit hard by the recent social and economic turmoil, and the past two years have been a "constant mix of ups and downs".
From post-lockdown excitement and new covid variants, to sky-rocketing energy bills and "unreliable transport" networks, The Snug’s event manager Ben Morgan said it has often been a "scramble to keep the doors open".
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In an unpredictable world, this meant that the team had to go back to basics and stick to an event schedule that they knew could guarantee income.
However, after receiving almost £1,500 from the Music Venue Trust's (MVT) Pipeline Investment Fund, the Snug has been able to pay for new equipment that will allow the team to diversify their event schedule and stay true to their mantra of championing original music.
Ben said: "For all grassroots music venues, our profit margins are razor-thin so it's almost impossible to find the funds to pay for new equipment.
"The funding from the Music Venue Trust is a lifeline because it allows us to have better equipment so that smaller bands, who may not have the equipment to travel with, can come and play here.
"We see ourselves as a stepping stone venue before the city centre venues, where bands can hone their craft on a smaller stage, so we're delighted we can offer this service to smaller bands and really champion local talent."
Using the MVT fund to pay for drum microphones, drum stands, monitors, and DJ equipment, Ben said that the Snug can now offer an "increased and diversified event schedule".
This hopes to be a big boost to local musicians and bring more people through their doors.
Ben, who joined the Snug in early 2021, added: "It has been a really challenging time over the last couple of years, and I think people were a little naive in thinking that everything could go straight back to normal after covid.
"It has been constant up and downs since the start of lockdown, but with this new equipment and events, we hope we can offer something extra for people to come to Atherton for.
"We are all just praying for a more stable 2023!"
For more information about The Snug, you can visit their Facebook page here.
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