"The Leadmill has been an institution in British live music for decades and has played a vital role in shaping the proud cultural heritage of Yorkshire and the rest of the North of England for generations.

The news that the current management has lost its eviction battle with the building's new landlord is a major blow to a much-loved independent music venue and puts 70 jobs at risk.

Due to years of government inaction to protect grassroots music venues, including a lack of changes to long-standing aspects of planning legislation, the long-term and sustainable futures of independent creative spaces remain vulnerable.

The Music For The Many campaign continues to fight for the future of Britain's grassroots music venues as invaluable community assets and urges the government to act now to ensure their future sustainability by introducing a small ticket levy paid for by the wealthy corporate sponsors of large arena and stadium concerts.

In August 2023 The Leadmill hosted a huge Music For The Many show, which was headlined by alt-rocker ZAND and Delilah Bonn in one of the most memorable gigs in the campaign series. The atmosphere at that show encapsulated both the spirit of the campaign and The Leadmill as an incredible community hub for the arts.

We send our support and solidarity to all at The Leadmill and thank them for their years of hard work and dedication to their city and British music. We also take this opportunity to demand that the government recognises the level of immediate threat faced by grassroots music venues in the UK caused by years of ignorance."