Lughole, a not-for-profit community benefits society, thrives on volunteer engagement to ensure the success of its events. The venue, a 220-capacity accessible members club with its own PA and licensed bar, operates on a 100% volunteer-run model. All organizational roles are filled by volunteers, and the principle of no door profit emphasizes that all proceeds benefit the artists and bands.
With a commitment to accessibility, Lughole adopts tiered tickets and memberships, employing income-based ticketing to break down financial barriers to music access. The venue also hosts New Blood events, celebrating and providing a platform for younger bands without the obligation to sell tickets to friends.
Lughole's support extends to performers such as young bands, new artists, LGBTQ+ artists, and non-mainstream talents. Their inclusive approach also caters to audiences comprising low-income individuals, those with disabilities, caregivers, young people, and non-mainstream music enthusiasts.
Recently, Lughole submitted a £500 grant application to partially fund a small PA system for the venue's bar area, enabling smaller gigs with a 60-capacity. This equipment, including JBL Eon 715 speakers with stands, will not only enhance in-house events but also be lent to trusted promoters for outdoor events, social spaces, and pubs.
Update:
“We would like to give a big thanks to The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation for their kind donation towards creating a community PA. Our relationship with Sarah started many years prior to The Lughole when we didn’t have our own space and Sarah was in charge of events at The Riverside. She got DIY grassroots music and gave us the platform to make this happen. Sarah went on to do amazing things such as founding Tramlines festival in its original format. We were extremely saddened by her untimely passing after her battle with cancer.
The Lughole founders started from a PA in a pub backroom and grew over the last 10+ years into a strong community and 250 capacity venue. We want to enable others to do the same. Innovation will rarely come from big mainstream venues, it will come from the pub backrooms, social centres and skateparks!
This small PA can be used by members in smaller event spaces outside of The Lughole and its aim is to promote DIY culture and grassroots music. If you would like to know more, please contact us through our website, using “community pa” as the subject matter.”
