#SaveOurVenues - Save The Wedge

Aim: We’re part of a national initiative launched by the Music Venue Trust to prevent the closure of 100s of independent music venues.

The Wedgewood Rooms is part of a national initiative launched by Music Venue Trust to prevent the closure of hundreds of independent music venues. #saveourvenues

The Wedgewood Rooms, also known as 'The Wedge' by locals, is a 400 capacity Independent Live Music Venue located in Portsmouth, England. Since 1992 we have regularly put on touring acts, comedians, club, theater and tribute nights, as well as working with different members of our local community and various local charities.

Our venue is one of hundreds currently at risk of closure because of the effects of Covid-19. During the early stages of the pandemic we took the difficult decision, for the first time in 27 years, to close our doors. We did this ahead of government intervention as we thought it was the most socially responsible thing to do. Something which we did for the sake of our staff and the public ahead of the lockdown instructions from the government.

Because of this we can no longer operate until that lockdown is lifted. While we have moved our entire Spring program into the Autumn, and are now beginning to move that to 2021, there is still a lot of uncertainty around when lockdown will be lifted, what that will mean for us and if we will make it that far. We anticipate and accept our sector will be one of the last to reopen but this will sadly put a significant amount of financial strain and pressure on the building. We are committed to reopening but not till it is logistically, safe  and economically viable to do so. 

To combat this we are now part of a national initiative launched by Music Venue Trust, to prevent the closure of hundreds of independent music venues. 

Your donations will be used to fill the shortfall between the government grants, the staff furlough scheme, and our actual monthly outgoings when closed. We would also like to support some of the freelance staff who fall between the cracks of government help.

Thanks to your generosity we hit our initial target, and have delayed  the closure of our venue.

Any further support during this difficult time is greatly appreciated. 

Stay in, stay safe, Team Wedge x