THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE TEMPLE OF BOOM VENUE TO LEEDS

That this House notes the significant contribution that live music makes to the UK's cultural life and economy; recognises that in the past decade the UK has seen nationwide closures of music venues; further notes the concerns raised and recommendations made in the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee report, Live Music, published on 6 March 2019; recognises that the Temple of Boom venue established in Bryon Street Mills, Leeds in 2011, with its three stages, is a unique space for rehearsals, recordings and performances by new local bands out to established underground acts from around the world, having hosted performances by artists including Madball, Slowthai, Voivod, and Wormrot; further recognises that with its vegan cafe, on-site brewery, hosting of record label Southern Records and its wide range of musical and creative activities, Temple of Boom fosters a sense of community and social cohesion within Leeds and inspires people to take part in musical and other creative activities and to set up their own cultural initiatives, social enterprises and small businesses; welcomes Leeds City Council's vision for a year long celebration of the city's diverse cultures; notes Leeds' loss of live music venues Joseph's Well, The Cockpit, The New Roscoe and The Duchess; is concerned by the threat to the future of Temple of Boom; and believes Temple of Boom is an irreplaceable jewel in the crown of Leeds music and cultural scene and that everything possible should be done to secure the future of Temple of Boom.