The Boulevard is part of a national initiative launched by the MVT to prevent the permanent closure of music venues most at risk due to the crisis.

The Boulevard has spent the last 14 years (almost) being proudly independent without any form of funding but we have come to a bridge that we cannot cross without your help - our loyal gig goers and musical creatives. 

In March 2012 Rob and I (Emma) were thrown in at the deep end when we were offered the opportunity to take over the lease after working at the venue for 6 years prior. At the time we didn't have much choice because if we were to turn down the opportunity the venue would close and we would both be out of a job. From that moment on, with a lot of time, money, passion and long hours we have built up The Boulevard to be the solid, established and popular live music venue that you all know and love. Over the years we have continuously invested into the venue to ensure that we could provide the best possible platform for promoters and bands of any genre to get their music heard in front of a live audience with zero overheads while enabling them to retain 100% of the door/ticket sales from their shows. We did this by providing our 300 capacity room, sound engineer, P.A, backline, drum kit, refreshments and in-house promotion all free of charge.

Since March 2020, 8 years after taking over the lease our late night music venue hasn't been allowed to open to it's full capacity or potential. As a result of this along with multiple denied insurance claims, the 10pm curfew and now another lockdown we are fighting for survival and we need you now more than ever. We miss each and every one of you and we are desperate to get back to doing what we do best - together. Please don't let the music stop.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Our music venue risks permanent closure because of the detrimental effect that months of enforced closure followed by the 10pm curfew has had on our entire sector.

Your donations and pledges will be used to help cover the general running costs of the venue (rent & bills), protect our employees and enable us to continue with our live music programme as soon as we are able to reopen which will ultimately assist in protecting artists, musicians, promoters and sound engineers from experiencing hardship throughout this crisis.

About The Boulevard

The Boulevard has been described as the hub of Wigan's grassroots live music scene. Located in the heart of the town centre this unique cellar venue hosts a steady stream of international touring bands, amazing local talent and DIY gigs. Head downstairs and you'll find yourself in a perfect live space complete with astounding acoustics and an electric atmosphere; it's no surprise that the Boulevard has an ever growing reputation of being THE place to see live music in Wigan.

Keith Smith of KDS Promotions says “I’ve been a promoter in various North-West venues, but it wasn’t until I arrived at The Boulevard that I finally found a venue to call home. The venue really helps bands get their music heard by offering the 300-capacity room along with a top-class sound technician, P.A and backline all free of charge which allows bands to perform with zero overheads while retaining 100% of the door/ticket sales. The sound quality is first class and there’s such a relaxed atmosphere. To lose this venue would be a disaster.”

Rewards 

Music Venue Trust have created Save Our Venues Merchandise including T-Shirts, Face Masks, Snoods and more which can be chosen as a reward for a donation to our CrowdFunder.

About Save Our Venues - The Red List

During the last 8 months, Music Venue Trust and Crowdfunder have worked together to prevent the closure of hundreds of grassroots music venues. With no end to the crisis in sight, we are now refocusing that work to spotlight those venues under most imminent threat of permanent closure. The #SaveOurVenues Red List highlights the grassroots music venues at most risk.

Right now.

We’ve checked all the available funding, financial support, furlough schemes, business support for these venues, and what is on offer is not enough to prevent them being lost. These 30 venues are on the Critical List and need your help.

These grassroots venues play a crucial role in the development of British music, nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills. These venues also play a vital role in the cultural and economic vibrancy of any village, town or city.

Please donate, share this page widely and do what you can to help us to make sure our grassroots music venues survive this crisis.