Cardiff’s iconic grassroots music venue, The Moon, has announced its immediate closure, marking the end of an era for the beloved establishment on Womanby Street. Citing insurmountable financial pressures brought on by the cost-of-living crisis, rising business rates, and insufficient support for independent venues, The Moon’s closure underscores the precarious state of grassroots music venues across the UK.

The venue, which reopened in 2017 following a spirited crowdfunding campaign, has been a cornerstone of Cardiff’s live music scene, hosting local and international acts and providing a space for cultural exchange and celebration. In a heartfelt statement released on Friday, The Moon expressed gratitude to its loyal audience, staff, and musicians, while lamenting the structural challenges that made survival impossible.

A Struggle Against Mounting Pressures
The Moon’s closure is emblematic of a larger crisis facing grassroots music venues. According to the Music Venue Trust, over 350 such venues across the UK are at immediate risk of closure, threatening 12,000 jobs and the vibrancy of local music communities. In 2023 alone, 125 grassroots venues shuttered permanently, a 13% net decline.

The Moon attributed its downfall to a combination of skyrocketing operational costs, inadequate government support, and outdated business rate structures. “Every time we think we've overcome a hurdle, another five appear,” the venue stated. Despite grants from Creative Wales and Cardiff Council, they emphasized the need for sustained, systemic support rather than sporadic aid tied to emergencies or special projects.

A Legacy of Community and Creativity
The Moon’s closure represents not just the loss of a venue but a vital cultural space where countless memories were made. From hosting debut performances to fostering artistic collaborations, The Moon’s ethos was rooted in inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity. Its contribution to Cardiff’s music scene is immeasurable, having supported burgeoning artists, hosted unique events, and been a hub for community engagement.

The venue’s announcement reflected on its history with pride and sorrow. “We’ve fought so hard and are so proud to have kept The Moon alive for this long,” the statement read. It also highlighted the camaraderie of its staff, audience, and musicians, celebrating the transformative power of live music.

Call for Structural Change
As Cardiff Council rolls out funding for small venues and the Welsh Government allocates new resources for hospitality businesses, The Moon’s story serves as a cautionary tale. Advocacy groups like the Music Venue Trust have called for urgent reforms, including a review of business rates and the introduction of levies on large-scale ticket sales to bolster independent venues.

Mark Davyd, CEO of the Music Venue Trust, emphasized the need for a comprehensive action plan, warning that without swift intervention, more closures like The Moon’s are inevitable.

A Future for Grassroots Music?
The Moon’s departure leaves Cardiff with only two remaining grassroots venues on Womanby Street: Fuel Rock Bar and Clwb Ifor Bach. Its closure is a stark reminder of the fragility of the live music ecosystem and the urgent need for meaningful, long-term support.

In its final message, The Moon expressed hope for the city’s music scene, urging stakeholders to invest in sustainable, high-quality venues that prioritize creativity and community. As the curtain falls on this cherished venue, its legacy serves as both a celebration of its contributions and a rallying cry for the survival of grassroots music.

Every time we jumped one hurdle, another five appeared,” The Moon declares, warning that more closures are imminent.