Ipswich music ecosystem a ‘model’ for towns after Sheeran success – minister
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Ipswich’s live music “ecosystem” could become a model for towns elsewhere after Ed Sheeran’s chart-topping success, the Culture Secretary has said. Taking questions at the despatch box on Thursday, Lisa Nandy warned MPs that “talent is everywhere but opportunity is not” as she promised “change”.
Culture ministers also faced questions about the future of small music venues. Sir Chris Bryant warned that his department is prepared to “go statutory” and set up a levy on large arenas if they fail to support smaller venues voluntarily. Ms Nandy told the Commons: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, and we’re determined that that is going to change.”.
She visited Ipswich in Suffolk last year with Mr Sheeran, whose number one hit singles include Shape Of You and Eyes Closed. The Culture Secretary described “an entire ecosystem through from equipping young people with those skills and that love of music at school, all the way through to being able to perform at smaller live music venues, larger live music venues and get the skills that they need to work in the music industry”.
She added: “That is a model that we would like to replicate around the country.”. Ms Nandy said her department is drafting a 10-point plan for the music industry, which would “probably be about 100 points” once it is finished. Chris Vince, the Labour MP for Harlow in Essex, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of music.”.
