Music Venue Trust Named Independent Music Champion by AIM at 2024 Independent Music Awards

09 October 2024 - Press release

 

• AIM recognises MVT’s decade at the forefront of grassroots music venue movement

• Co-execs Mark Davyd & Beverley Whitrick received Award in surprise presentation at 10th anniversary Venues Day 

• Independent Music Awards to take place at The Roundhouse on Thursday 17 October

The Association of Independent Music (AIM)’s Independent Music Awards has announced UK registered charity Music Venue Trust (MVT) as the winners of this year’s “Independent Music Champion” award. 

With MVT celebrating its tenth year, the award recognises the organisation’s decade of impactful work championing and protecting the UK’s grassroots music venues, which play a key role in the independent music community by providing an essential launchpad for emerging talent.  

MVT’s founder & CEO Mark Davyd and COO Beverley Whitrick received the award today in a surprise presentation at the 10th anniversary edition of Venues Day, the world’s largest gathering of people involved in the running of grassroots music venues. 

Gee Davy, interim CEO of AIM, said: “AIM is delighted to celebrate 10 years of the Music Venue Trust by recognising them as this year’s Independent Music Champion. MVT have been a hugely impactful force for good in their support and advocacy work for the UK's grassroots venues, increasing visibility of the challenges they face in the highest corridors of power, and actively helping save venues from closure.  Venues and independent music are intrinsically connected, with both having a central role in creating local scenes and building artists’ careers. We applaud the work of Mark, Bev and all connected with MVT in protecting these vital cultural spaces."

The Independent Music Awards is due to take place at The Roundhouse on Thursday 17th October. Winners to be announced on the night include the “Outstanding Contribution to Music” and “Innovator” awards, alongside “Best Independent Album”, “UK Independent Breakthrough”, “Best Independent Label” and, new for 2024, “Best Independent Record Store”, alongside more accolades for the independent music community.