Billy Bragg is live-streaming a gig to help save The Leadmill in Sheffield – this how you can watch and donate

Campaigning singer-songwriter Billy Bragg is live-streaming a gig from his home in aid of an appeal to save The Leadmill in Sheffield.
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Bragg, who played a three-night residency at the club last November, will be broadcasting the performance from his Facebook page on Saturday, May 16, to support a crowdfunding drive to keep The Leadmill afloat, as well as the wider #SaveOurVenues crusade run by the Music Venue Trust.

Those watching will be encouraged to make donations. The trust's national initiative is aimed at saving hundreds of at-risk venues that are recognised as fulfilling a crucial role in developing British music, boosting local economies and creating cultural vibrancy.

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Independent clubs, bars and theatres have all had to close during lockdown to enforce social distancing rules, leading to an unprecedented number of event cancellations – and a steep loss of income.

In Sheffield, The Leadmill has signed up to the appeal and is seeking to raise £10,000 to lessen the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The place was meant to be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a series of special events spanning 12 months.

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“If these forced closures continue into the rest of the year we could also be looking at some pretty high debts and inevitable staff redundancies,” the venue said on its crowdfunding page.

Bragg is promising ‘an hour of music and chat’ from 8pm on Saturday. The left-wing activist’s best-known songs include A New England, which was covered by the late Kirsty MacColl and became her biggest solo hit.

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“I will be playing a live set via Facebook Live in support of the Music Venue Trust’s campaign to #SaveOurVenues, raising funds to help The Leadmill make it through these challenging times,” he said.

The Leadmill added: “We've had some amazing shows with Billy over the years and we were really fortunate to host three sold-out shows with him last year.

“If you have a few quid spare and would like to donate to our crowdfunder, we would be eternally grateful.”

Last week singer Kat Eaton, who was raised in Sheffield, played an online gig with her guitarist husband Nick Atkinson to help The Leadmill.

Billy Bragg is performing in aid of The Leadmill on May 16. Picture: The Leadmill.Billy Bragg is performing in aid of The Leadmill on May 16. Picture: The Leadmill.
Billy Bragg is performing in aid of The Leadmill on May 16. Picture: The Leadmill.
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Visit www.facebook.com/billybraggofficial to watch the live stream.

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