B1319 words2:00News Report American AccentPublished May 19, 2026 · Updated May 19, 2026

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Touring has become much harder for small music acts in the United Kingdom.

Rising fuel prices and the cost of living crisis have made it very difficult for grassroots artists to afford life on the road.

Many touring bands now struggle to cover basic expenses like food, transport, and accommodation when they travel between cities.

However, a growing number of UK music venues are trying a simple solution that could change things.

Some venues have started to offer free sleeping spaces for musicians who perform there.

The Music Venue Trust charity recently announced a new accommodation scheme to support this idea.

Unused rooms inside venues are being converted into bedrooms with bunk beds and shower facilities.

Mark Davyd, the chief executive of the Music Venue Trust, explained why this matters.

He said that accommodation costs are limiting touring options for many artists.

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This is especially true in rural locations, because there may not be many hotels or guesthouses nearby.

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The accommodation scheme aims to improve sustainability for the music industry by reducing costs for performers.

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One of the first venues to join the programme is Voodoo Daddy's in Norwich.

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The site is currently being refreshed with new shower rooms and triple-stack bunk beds for touring artists.

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Ben Street, the owner of the venue, said the project came from real conversations with musicians.

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He explained that international artists were often trying to negotiate lower fees because they could not afford hotel rooms for their whole tour party of six or seven people.

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The initiative has been welcomed by many people in the music industry.

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If more venues across the country follow this example, touring could become possible again for smaller acts.

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As one musician said, this kind of support keeps the dream alive for artists who love performing but cannot afford the rising costs.

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The scheme represents a practical step toward making live music more sustainable in the long term.

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‘This keeps the dream alive’: the bands sleeping at venues to make touring work

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