PRS for Music launches Back to Live Music Venue Prize in Northern Ireland

PRS for Music, the organisation that represents more than 160,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers across the UK, has launched its Back to Live Music Venue Prize in Northern Ireland.

The nationwide competition offers independent live music venues across the UK the chance to win one of six regional prizes of up to £10,000, helping to improve live music experiences for the local community, music creators, performers, and music fans.

The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the live music sector and music creators has been well-documented; between 2019 and 2021, PRS for Music saw an 84% decline in the number of live performance setlists reported to the organisation, falling from 124,000 in 2019, to 19,300 in 2021.*

With restrictions being lifted across the UK, music creators are eager to get back on stage and fans to once again enjoy live music. PRS for Music looks to support these venues on the road to recovery, as the sound of live music makes hearts beat and ears ring once more, bigger, and bolder than ever before.

PRS for Music’s Back to Live Music Venue Prize competition will run throughout the year and is open to independent live music venues that are not part of a national brand. Venues can be bespoke music venues or be part of another business such as a pub or bar, as long as they had an established standalone live music offering before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judges are looking for live music venues at the heart of their communities in which the £10,000 prize will make a real difference to the venue, music fans, and local music creators.

Ryan McMullan, Back to Live Music Venue Prize 2022 ambassador for Northern Ireland, said: “All the best gigs I’ve been to, have been in independent venues. They hold a different energy and invite ‘up-and-coming’ acts to test their limits.

“My first headline show was in an independent venue. That gig taught me so many things, but the main takeaway was that it solidified my intentions of following a career in music, giving up the day job in order to pursue my dream. I fully support PRS for Music’s Back to Live Music Venue Prize.”

Stuart Fleming, Senior Relationship Manager for Scotland & Northern Ireland, PRS for Music, said: “Back to Live Music Venue Prize puts the spotlight on independent music venues and the important role they play in championing music creators across Northern Ireland. These venues not only offer an essential space for songwriters and composers to develop as performers, but provide an opportunity to showcase new music and build strong fan bases. We are excited to see music fans enjoying live music in a safe environment once more.”

To enter the competition, applicants must detail how the prize money would be spent, and what it would mean for their business to win. The judging panel will be made up of leading figures and representatives from across the music, arts, and hospitality sectors.

To be in with a chance of winning the Live Music Venue Prize visit www.prsformusic.com/backtolive