Grassroots music in London just got a major boost, as the O2 announced direct donations to the Music Venue Trust each time a new artist headlines the arena.

As part of a three-year commitment, the O2 will help the grassroots ecosystem, which nurtures artists in the early stages of their careers, receive tangible, ongoing support from the very venues that later host their success.

In 2025, the O2 hosted 50 first-time performers, including Gracie Abrams, Pulp, Architects and Wolf Alice, all of whom got their start at venues associated with the Music Venues Alliance.

The move has been praised by giants in the music industry, including Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons.

‘Our first time taking to the O2 was in 2012, back when many of the venues where we had cut our teeth, including the Luminaire

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