Two more iconic grassroots venues where Oasis and Arctic Monkeys once played have futures secured

Two historic grassroots music venues in England have been preserved for future gigs after a campaign from Music Venue Properties.

The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol have both been purchased with support from Arts Council England.

Artists including Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, PJ Harvey, Oasis, IDLES and Wet Leg played at the venues early in their careers,

The trust helps by removing the venues from vulnerable leases by purchasing the freehold of the buildings and placing them into community ownership.

The Joiners operator Ricky Bates said: ‘We want to thank every single person who has bought a share in the scheme and ensured The Joiners’ future.

‘As one of the most important live music venues ever to exist in the UK, this is a win for all independent live mus