Iconic Manchester Venue Star & Garter Announces Future Plans

Iconic Venue Update

Iconic Manchester venue Star & Garter has shared new insights regarding its future as a grassroots music venue.

• READ MORE: 2023 was the 'worst year ever for venue closures', although 'no one in the music industry seems to care', says MVT

Independence and Future Plans

The Grade II listed building on Fairfield Street will continue to function as an independent music venue and pub, based on recent announcements. This comes after the appointment of a new operator with a commitment to honoring the legacy of the beloved owner Andy Martin, who passed away last year.

The venue’s future was threatened several years ago but was rescued in 2019 when new owners secured a 10-year lease with the landlord. This partnership also vowed to keep investing in the refurbishment and preservation of the venue as a live music hotspot.

Investment will now be spearheaded by global events company Broadwick, which aims to implement “significant infrastructure improvements” while preserving the venue’s “iconic atmosphere and unique charm” (via Manchester Evening News).

The venue will still be managed by Danny Marsh and will continue to feature concerts and live performances.

Historical Significance

The building, originally known as The Star And Garter Tavern, first opened its doors in 1803 and has since become integral to Manchester’s music scene. Renowned bands including Status Quo, Bring Me The Horizon, Courteeners, Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes, among others, have graced its stage.

Originally located about 50 yards from its current position, the site was moved in 1849 due to the expansion of the London Road station. Thanks to the efforts of Andy Martin, it has remained operational in recent years, including a campaign aimed at preserving the venue amidst redevelopment plans for the area and an expansion of Piccadilly station.

Martin passed away last March at the age of 52. In his memory, tributes poured in and funds were gathered to support his family and cover funeral costs.

Discussing the venue’s future, Martin's wife Helen expressed, “The relationship with Broadwick has developed over time and I know Andy would be delighted to see the team step in to support The Star & Garter.

“I am confident that this partnership will protect everything Andy loved about this place,” she added. “Broadwick’s commitment to respecting its heritage and ensuring that the character and atmosphere of The Star & Garter, staff, club nights, concerts, and other bookings remain intact is a great feeling of confidence for all of us.”

Jay Taylor of the Music Venue Trust also commented: “Andy was dedicated to Star & Garter and the community it cultivated; his vision and determination remained unwavering for 23 years. When Andy tragically passed away in March last year, it was devastating for his family, friends, and the venue community, leaving a void in both Star & Garter and the Greater Manchester music scene.

“Music Venue Trust welcomes Broadwick as the new operator of Star & Garter. We are pleased that the long-term future of the venue is now secured and that the Broadwick team is committed to building upon Andy’s remarkable legacy.”

Concerns regarding the site’s future first arose in 2014 when Martin warned of its uncertain survival. This worry escalated in 2016 when the Courteeners referenced “finding solace in Star & Garter” in their song “Modern Love.”

In 2018, prominent artists and industry leaders spearheaded the Agent of Change campaign to prevent the closure of independent music venues across the UK.

The challenges facing grassroots venues nationwide extend far beyond The Star & Garter. Last year, the Music Venue Trust published its comprehensive report on the industry for 2023, highlighting the “disaster” confronting live music with venues closing at a staggering rate of about two per week.

MVT’s Mark David presented these findings at Westminster, subsequently advocating for a £1 levy on tickets for concerts at arenas and above, allowing major labels and venues to return to the mainstream stage.

In 2023, following the closure of the legendary Bath music venue Moles, David elaborated on the dangers threatening the UK live music scene and revealed to NME that the live music industry is “focused on profit, not the ecosystem.”

Notable industry figures have also joined efforts to support independent venues. Last year, Coldplay announced that 10 percent of proceeds from their forthcoming stadium shows in London and Hull would be donated to the Music Venue Trust to help safeguard venues across the country. Additionally, English Teacher frontwoman Lily Fontaine previously spoke to NME about the critical importance of grassroots music venues, informing MPs at a hearing about how artists are experiencing a “funding crisis.”

The UK government has begun to support calls for a tax on concert tickets for arena-sized shows to benefit ordinary people. MPs are feeling the pressure to take action as small venues navigate precarious situations and artists struggle financially.

The deadline for the music industry to implement more tangible measures to protect its smaller counterparts has been set for March before government intervention becomes necessary.