Grassroots
London’s O2 Arena will donate ‘significant’ funds to grassroots music venues
Investing in the pipeline — The 20,000 capacity arena will provide funding to the Music Venue Trust every time it hosts a new headliner, on top of a ‘six-figure upfront donation’ under the new scheme.
Written by: Isabelle Blakeney
Queer nightlife in crisis: 8 of London’s biggest parties unite to save LGBTQ+ venues
Not a eulogy. A declaration — Over the weekend, INFERNO, Queer House Party, Riposte, RIOT, BUMPAH, Coven, Uhaul Dyke Rescue and PLASTYK came together in a photoshoot to call for collective action, as the landscape for grassroots venues continues to worsen.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In Nottingham, punk’s UK revival rumbles
Grassroots grinding — The city has a rich history of creative resistance, and now a new wave of noise is emerging. From DIY recording studios to impromptu skatepark gigs, Hannah Bentley travels to the east Midlands to meet the artists keeping rebellion alive – and loud.
Written by: Hannah Bentley
Warm, tender photos of London’s amateur boxing scene
Where The Fire Went — Sana Badri’s new photobook captures the wider support networks and community spirit around the grassroots sport, as well as the significance of its competitions to the athletes who take part.
Written by: Isaac Muk
In Medellín’s alleys and side streets, football’s founding spirit shines
Street Spirit — Granted two weeks of unfettered access, photographer Tom Ringsby captures the warmth and DIY essence of the Colombian city’s grassroots street football scene.
Written by: Isaac Muk
On the sidelines with Rise United, the football club redefining Asian identity
Football, family style — Blending creativity on and off the pitch, the London ESEA+ grassroots team is providing its burgeoning community with spaces to express, and be, themselves.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Is the UK ready for a Kabaddi boom?
Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi — Watched by over 280 million in India, the breathless contact sport has repeatedly tried to grip British viewers. Ahead of the Kabaddi World Cup being held in Wolverhampton this month, Kyle MacNeill speaks to the gamechangers laying the groundwork for a grassroots scene.
Written by: Kyle MacNeill
In Bristol, pub singers are keeping an age-old tradition alive
Ballads, backing tracks, beers — Bar closures, karaoke and jukeboxes have eroded a form of live music that was once an evening staple, but on the fringes of the southwest’s biggest city, a committed circuit remains.
Written by: Fred Dodgson
One year of Jeremy Corbyn’s Music for the Many
Photographer Emily-Jayne Nolan went down to Moth Club, Hackney to capture the anniversary show of Peace & Justice Project’s campaign to save grassroots music venues.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Grassroots football teams take a stand against racism
‘Racist fans are not fans‘ — In response to the abuse faced by Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, teams from across London gathered in solidarity with the England players.
Written by: Huck
How Philly's young activists are setting the political agenda
'We the youth are in control' — In Philadelphia, grassroots operations in communities of colour helped Biden secure the presidency. Now, they're determined to ensure the next four years bring transformational change.
Written by: Alex King
How you can help homeless people this Christmas without handing over money
People helping people — Gavyn Emery launched Keep Bristol Warm to encourage people to share clothes, time and love with the homeless, rather than cash - and he’s eager to see the idea spread across the UK.
Written by: Alex King
