The Portland is part of us.  We've been putting on and watching gigs there since 1997 and it's been an integral part of the Cambridge music scene for decades.  

Unfortunately they have massive overheads including nearly £25000 in rent to pay while they are closed, based on a 12 week closure.  If it carries on beyond that then it's not worth thinking about the situation for them.  This sort of debt cripples a business and makes it hard for them to invest in the business for the future. 

We are going to do everything in our power to ensure that the venue is there for the future. All of the staff at the venue are currently furloughed, so we offered to set up this fundraiser and all monies will be paid direct to Hayley and Steve to ensure they can open the doors again after lockdown and aren't just paying down a debt forever!