A campaigning charity which supports independent music venues has called for ‘actions not words’ following the closure of a much-loved Sheffield venue.

The Music Venue Trust which supports grassroots music venues across the UK has shown its backing after The Dorothy Pax announced its closure on 5 March, and said the government and music industry needs to do more.

Located in Victoria Quays near Sheffield city centre, the venue had gained popularity for its live music, charming views and unique location and had become a desirable spot for students to attend their events.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “The UK’s grassroots music venue sector has lost another safe and nurturing space for live music, talent development and social connection.”

The Dorothy Pax was known for providing young people with opportunities and giving the time and space to those who faced financial issues. It was a safe and inclusive place for the community that surrounded it.

In the 2024 Annual Report by the Music Venue Trust, it was reported that 43.8% of grassroot music venues had experienced a loss in the last 12 months despite in total contributing over £525 million to the economy.

In response to this report The Dorothy Pax has thanked the Music Venue Trust for its support and made a plea to their loyal customers to continue to support other grassroot music venues and independent businesses.

A spokesperson from the Music Venue Trust said: “The team at Dorothy Pax are generous, committed, conscientious and loving people. They did everything they could to grow and tend a scene around them.”

The venue took to social media criticising the financial difficulties that many grassroots venues are experiencing currently where they have struggled for sufficient funding since Covid-19.

In a Facebook post, The Dorothy Pax said: “We know we do good work. Nothing is quite like the high you get when you see a full room of people dancing

“Nothing will ever come close to that feeling.”

The Music Venue Trust has emphasised the knock on effects that cost of living has had on independent businesses where sold out shows and ticket sales ‘no longer necessarily pay the bills’.

They have called for action against the music industry and the government, yet with closures of such venues increasing, the situation has become more worrying.

The charity said: “The fact that these solutions still have not been applied, before it was too late for Dorothy Pax, is another horrible day for the charity, for Sheffield and for music fans and grassroots artists, present and future.

“We need actions, not words. “

A gofundme page has been set up to help members of staff financially cope until they find new jobs and has so far raised £4,707.