On Saturday, 7th December 2024, The Rigger faced a significant challenge when the flat roof part of our building was severely damaged during storm Darragh. The high winds tore off the felt and timber battens causing extensive destruction, leading to significant water ingress and damage to the residential accommodation above the venue. Thankfully, the venue part of the building remained structurally and electrically safe, and most importantly, aside from a few cuts and bruises no one was seriously hurt (including our two dogs, who were safely evacuated and are completely unharmed). 

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the heroic fire services, who closed off the street and worked tirelessly for hours in challenging conditions to secure the area and ensure public safety. Following their efforts, we managed to bring in two qualified professionals to assess the structure and electrical safety of the venue part of the building. Both assessments gave us the green light to operate, which was a massive relief. 

In the face of this adversity, our incredible team - along with the artists, manager, and promoter - pulled together to make sure the much-anticipated Tony Wright (from Terrorvision) gig went ahead as planned that evening. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of our grassroots music community and a moment of triumph during a difficult time. 

However, the storm damage has left us with ongoing repair work that will continue into January 2025. While insurance will cover most of the costs, many associated expenses are not covered, leaving us with significant financial challenges. Despite this, we remain determined to keep the music alive and continue providing a space for live performances and community events. 

Why do we need the money and how will use it 

The recent storm damage to The Rigger has left us with significant repair costs that are not fully covered by insurance. While the venue part of the building remains structurally safe, the damage to the residential part of the building, including the felt and timber of the flat roof and all electrics on the circuit to that part of the building, has led to ongoing repair work that will continue into January 2025. 

Following inacurate reports in the media about the damage, we’ve faced a wave of gig cancellations and ticket refund requests due to the misconception that the venue has closed or is no longer safe to host events. This misinformation has led to a reduction in attendance, further exacerbating the financial strain on the venue. These additional financial challenges, on top of the repair costs, are making it even more difficult for us to continue offering a platform for live music, performances, and community events. 

On average, it costs £17,692 a month to run the venue and host live events. The combination of reduced attendance due to concerns over safety, alongside the mounting repair costs (currently estimated at £14,555 outside of insurance coverage, to cover the full scope of repairs and remain operational), is putting a significant strain on the venue’s overall sustainability. Without the necessary support, we risk losing the ability to continue operating and providing this vital cultural space for our community. 

We need your help to cover these essential costs and ensure The Rigger can keep its doors open and continue to serve as a hub for live music and cultural events for years to come. 

Any funds raised will only be used for essential repair and associated costs and to continue hosting live music, performances, and community events. If we exceed our goal, the surplus will go to the Music Venue Trust (who have been offering us endless support to ensure The Rigger remains open during this difficult and challenging time) to help support other venues in need. Their guidance and assistance have been invaluable as we work to get back on track by February 2025. 

What is The Rigger and why is it culturally significant  

“... grassroots venues are the backbone of the music industry in the UK. The Rigger is no exception to this ... The Rigger is an iconic venue here in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and holds a special place for many of the residents in our area – as well as some members in my own office!” - Adam Jogee MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle-Under-Lyme. 

The Rigger is more than just a live music venue - it’s a cornerstone of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s cultural and creative identity. Known for its eclectic and inclusive atmosphere, The Rigger has been a hub for live music, performances, and community events for decades. It’s a space where creativity thrives, offering a stage for emerging and established artists to share their talents with an engaged and supportive audience. 

The venue is celebrated for its dedication to hosting diverse events, from grassroots gigs and cabarets to immersive performances and curated art exhibitions. It’s a welcoming space for the unusual, exciting, and avant-garde, fostering innovation and providing opportunities for local creatives to showcase their skills, explore new ideas, and build viable careers. Predominately known for live music The Rigger champions LGBTQIA+ performers and events, neurodiverse creatives, and artists from the global majority making it a vital space for underrepresented voices in the arts. The Rigger is a venue run by a diverse team of passionate creatives dedicated to providing a platform and safe space for underrepresented communities.  

In a time when grassroots music venues (GMVs) face immense financial and operational pressures, The Rigger remains a beacon of resilience and creativity. Small grassroots venues are essential to the cultural fabric of their communities, serving as incubators for talent and spaces for people to connect through the arts. The Rigger’s role in the local and wider music scene is invaluable, offering not only a platform for musicians but also a sense of belonging for audiences and creatives alike. 

The importance of preserving venues like The Rigger cannot be overstated. They are cultural lifelines that bring communities together, celebrate diversity, and keep the spirit of live music and performance alive. Supporting The Rigger and donating to this cause means safeguarding a space where culture, creativity, and community thrive, ensuring it can continue to inspire and unite people for years to come. 

Why does it matter to have venues like The Rigger? 

Grassroots music venues like The Rigger are vital to the cultural ecosystem, serving as the foundation for live music, performance, and artistic expression. They provide essential platforms for emerging talent, giving artists the chance to hone their craft and connect with audiences in a way that can’t be replicated anywhere else. For many musicians, grassroots venues are the first step in their careers, offering them the opportunity to build their fanbase and establish themselves in the industry. 

Despite their importance, small grassroots venues face immense challenges. Rising operational costs, financial pressures, and the lingering impact of misinformation make it increasingly difficult for venues like ours to survive. The sustainability of The Rigger is under threat, as are countless other grassroots venues across the country.  

This is why your support matters so much. By contributing to our Crowdfunder, you’re not just helping us recover from the storm damage and the resulting financial strain; you’re helping to preserve a space that fosters creativity, diversity, and community. 

Transparency is key to our efforts. Any funds raised will only be used for essential repair and operational costs to ensure The Rigger can continue to host live music, performances, and cultural events. If we exceed our fundraising goal, any surplus will be donated to the Music Venue Trust, an organisation that has provided us with invaluable support during this challenging time. Their ongoing efforts to protect and sustain small grassroots venues ensure that cultural spaces like The Rigger remain open and accessible to communities across the UK. 

Supporting The Rigger means supporting live music, creativity, and a vibrant community. Together, we can overcome these challenges and ensure The Rigger - and venues like it - can continue to inspire, entertain, and unite people for years to come.