"We've been through so many traumas that I feel immune": Worries over the state of independent music venues in Preston

Back in August, CEO of the Music Venues Trust, Mark Dayvd told the Standard: 'We can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel' when discussing the possible resurrection of music venues left crippled by the coronavirus crisis.
Susan Culshaw, manager of the Ferret, PrestonSusan Culshaw, manager of the Ferret, Preston
Susan Culshaw, manager of the Ferret, Preston

But now, that light may seem to be getting even dimmer for independent music venues, as Ferret owner Susan Culshaw tells The Post.

She says: “At first, we thought it was looking up for us. Casting my mind back to a few weeks ago, there was talk of Preston possibly coming out of the tighter lockdown restrictions.

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“We flew into action and decided to book a month worth of shows to support local artists. We spent a long time organising it and having meetings because we realise so many hard working local musicians are going out of their minds.

Susan claims she is 'immune' to the new government changes because of the trauma they have been throughSusan claims she is 'immune' to the new government changes because of the trauma they have been through
Susan claims she is 'immune' to the new government changes because of the trauma they have been through

“We also have our engineers and sound tech staff who have had no income so we went full speed ahead, offering tickets at a reduced capacity and selling them as tables of six or less.”

The week prior to the new Preston restrictions was a profound success for the Fylde Road venue - with a week of sold out performances.

Losing money was only a distant thought for owner Susan who was eager to bring support for local music back to Preston.

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She adds: “It was a mammoth task throughout lockdown and then we were hit by the curfew . We are determined to continue by bringing gigs forward if we have to because of all the planning and promotion that has gone into it.

The Ferret operates primarily as a live music venueThe Ferret operates primarily as a live music venue
The Ferret operates primarily as a live music venue

“This time last year - we would have been so busy you couldn’t have driven down the road. We were promised a government grant for arts and culture but with all the changes nothing has come of it.

“It is a scary time for us but we have been through so much trauma that I feel immune to it all now. All those words at the beginning of this about no business being left to go under and being suspported - we are still waiting.”

In a statement issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, it said that hospitality premises including cafes, bars and leisure facilities would have to close by 10pm under the new restrictions.

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It then went on to say that guidance will make it clear that cinemas, theatres and concert halls can continue beyond 10pm if the performance started before hand and under the exception that alcohol cannot be served after curfew.

David Billington, Manager of events and ticket sales at the Riva ShowbarDavid Billington, Manager of events and ticket sales at the Riva Showbar
David Billington, Manager of events and ticket sales at the Riva Showbar

Mark Whittle, of Preston BID says: “Preston’s footfall has seen the effect of further restrictive measures being imposed; we must pull together in supporting and visit our city centre safely. Our city centre business community is reliant on the steadfast support of people who live in and around the Preston.

“We’d urge people to continue backing local businesses, supporting their city centre, and protecting it for the future. We understand these are challenging times for everyone, but it’s only by supporting each other and looking out for the safety of ourselves and others, that we can get through this period.

David Billington, manager ofticket sales at Riva Showbar, Tithebarn Street says: “The crowds died down a lot. People are wary of coming out but we are such a big club I feel safe in it because people can socially distance. You feel like you are not on top of eachother.

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“It doesn’t just affect artists, it affects DJ’s and venues. We were going to start themed nights, such as ‘dancersize’ on Wednesdays.

“First of all nobody can dance, it has completely ruined all the plans that we had. It is so vital for the community, its more than being just a live entertainment venue. It is a community hub for the people of Preston.

“We did apply for the grant for the arts council because it costs us money to put acts on and if people don’t come, we lose out. We have had to cancel events because ticket sales were too low. We wouldn’t make any profit.

“We are supporting so much local talent from Preston, we help them to achieve their dreams and help them along the way. It isn’t about the money it is affecting people all across Preston. We need bums through the door and bums on seats.”

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The Music Venues trust have hosted a #Saveourvenues campaign, as 400 grassroots venues sit on the brink of closure. They said they would issue a statement when there is further clarity on how music venues will be affected by the curfew.

A spokesperson from the Music Venues Trust says: “The next three weeks will see decisions right across the country that will effectively decide the potential fate of hundreds of music venues.”

Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for culture and leisure at Preston City Council, said: “The music, arts and culture industry has been one of the hardest hit as a result of coronavirus and the continuing pandemic.

“Venues are working really hard to carry on as much as they can within the regulations, and we know that access to music and the arts is vitally important for peoples’ mental health and wellbeing at a time like this. We ask everyone to please follow the necessary precautions while visiting any of the great venues in Preston in order to keep all of our families, friends and communities safe.”

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