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Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events names Helen McGee as Director of Venues, launches nationwide expansion via strategic partnership with Propaganda Independent Venues, and renews its original flagship venue contract.

Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events is proud to announce the appointment of Helen McGee as Director of Venues, marking a significant step forward as the company continues to expand its’ model across the UK.

This appointment coincides with Ghostwriter’s partnership with the newly formed Propaganda Independent Venues, which will see Tramshed and The Globe (Cardiff), The Camden Assembly (London), XOYO (London), and XOYO (Birmingham) operate in line with Ghostwriter’s existing partner venues. These include Braehead Arena (Glasgow), The Prospect Building (Bristol), Olympia (Liverpool), The Warehouse (Leeds), and Quarters (Brighton) and will come together to deliver a diverse range of options for live performance across the UK.

Dan Ickowitz-Seidler – Director (Propaganda Independent Venues) comments:
“We are delighted to be embarking on Propaganda Independent Venues’ journey in partnership with Ghostwriter. We have a long and successful history of working together and are aligned in so many ways. Ultimately, we will strive to deliver a high standard of venues that support the wider industry and provide unforgettable experiences for everyone who joins us at our venues.”

Ghostwriter’s continued expansion significantly increases its eclectic mix of independent spaces, all operated to a high standard and bound by shared principles, including no merchandise charges for artists, a 50% in-house ticket allocation for promoters, a voluntary donation scheme in support of MVT, and an ethos firmly focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Helen McGee says:
“I’m thrilled to be appointed Director of Venues. Since joining Ghostwriter in February, I’ve truly felt part of the team. It genuinely feels like home and a place where we can make a real difference. I really enjoy the innovative, creative and inclusive environment as we work collaboratively with every part of the industry and our partners to ensure our venues are the very best they can be. We are extremely customer focused and as venues, it’s crucial to recognise we have many different customers that need to be at the heart of what we do; from artists to promoters, agents to touring personnel, and of course, ultimately, the music fans we are all striving to deliver the best possible experience for.”

In what can only be described as a landmark week for the company, Ghostwriter is also extremely proud to announce that its original partner venue, Liverpool Olympia, has renewed its long-term agreement, taking the partnership beyond its 10th anniversary with the Ghostwriter team.

Each week, StandOut Magazine highlights a StandOut individual who has been extraordinary within the events industry. From Monday 24^th November – Monday 1^st December,  it’s director Gemma!

Carving out a remarkable career in the events industry, starting behind a bar in London and growing into delivering festivals, large-scale outdoor events, and venue launches across the UK.

She loves seeing the results of her work come to life, whether it’s the energy of a launch night, or the thrill of Newcastle Racecourse’s first post-COVID show for Jess Glynne, which drew 17,500 attendees.

Her top advice for anyone starting in events? Pause, breathe, and take a moment to see the joy your work creates, while always staying curious and learning from others.

Read the full interview here.

We’re proud as punch to share that we’ve been shortlisted for not one, but two National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards!

As a company that usually operates behind the scenes – helping our partners, venues, and collaborators shine – it means the world to have our work recognised by our industry peers.

We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for:
⭐ Event Organiser of the Year
⭐ Small Event of the Year – Royal Holloway Students’ Union Summer Ball (in collaboration with Cyndeo Events)

We’ve always been proud members of the NOEA community, and we’re deeply grateful for the recognition and opportunity this brings. A huge thank you to our clients, partners, and the brilliant teams we work alongside – this nomination is a reflection of all of you.

We can’t wait to celebrate with all the amazing nominees at this year’s awards!

Alongside AMAAD (A Man About A Dog) we’re proud to announce the first artists in the live music offering at Brighton’s newest cultural hub, and our partner venue, Quarters. This exciting addition to the city’s thriving music scene sees art pop trailblazers Everything Everything give the Quarters stage its live music debut (01/11/25), with indie favourites The Sherlocks (27/11/25) also confirmed to perform.

We’ve partnered with AMAAD to establish Quarters as a vital destination for live music on the South Coast. Following the recent launch of Quarters’ world-class electronic music programme, the initial live music programme demonstrates AMAAD’s commitment to bringing the full spectrum of contemporary music culture to Brighton, and in terms of quality, is a clear statement of intent.

Everything Everything have scored six top 10 albums, five Ivor Novello and two Mercury Prize nominations, and previously headlined shows at Alexandra Palace in London. Catching them live in the stripped-back intimacy of Quarters will be an unforgettable start for live music at the venue.

Everything Everything said, “We’re excited to be playing a special intimate show in Brighton’s newest grassroots music venue, Quarters, in a city we’ve always been fond of, and that has always been good to us. This will be the first attempt at our Get To Heaven show, and it’s a pleasure to bring it to the independent stage.”

Another big name follows, as The Sherlocks step up to deliver the indie rock anthems that have seen them land four top 10 albums and six top 10 singles, including three #1 hits. With more announcements to come, Quarters remains committed to supporting a range of genres and talent.

Ade Dovey, Business and Programming Development Manager at Ghostwriter, said, “Having begun my venue career in Brighton, the city holds a very special place in my heart. It’s an incredible place, a beacon for forward-thinking, independent music culture, driven by passionate local promoters and a never-ending stream of emerging talent across all genres. Quarters will be a welcome addition to Brighton’s network of grassroots venues, further enhancing what the city has to offer. I can’t wait to reconnect with such a vibrant live music scene again.”

AMAAD founders Paul Jack and Will Harold said, “Brighton has a rich musical heritage and we want Quarters to become part of this – a South Coast destination point where contemporary music culture can thrive. This first live music programme announcement is the next step towards this goal, and there is a lot more to come.”

Built on the hallowed ground of the legendary Zap Club, Quarters has been completely transformed to accommodate both electronic and live music experiences. The bespoke L-Acoustics surround sound system delivers crystal-clear acoustics for live performances, while the venue’s intelligent lighting design heightens atmosphere for acoustic moments or moshpit madness. The venue’s intimate space creates an unparalleled connection between artist and audience, and together with a dedicated chillout area, delivers live music the way it is meant to be experienced.

Our partnership with AMAAD brings decades of live music expertise, and as the team who’ve brought the likes of Little Simz, Yungblud, and Mac DeMarco to The Prospect Building in Bristol, we’re now curating an inspired selection of artists for Brighton.

Further live music announcements and additional programming will follow. For more information, visit www.quartersbrighton.co.uk.

We’re delighted to announce a long-term live music partnership with Braehead Arena (5,300 capacity).

As our first arena partnership, Glasgow’s Braehead Arena joins The Prospect Building in Bristol (3,000/1,350 capacity) and Liverpool Olympia (1,917 capacity) as an exciting addition to the growing family of venues embracing an innovative, artist-focused model. As a result, Braehead Arena will become not only the first arena, but also the largest venue in the UK to not charge artists a commission on merchandise sales.

Following TDL Media’s acquisition of Braehead Arena, this partnership marks the start of a significant programme of investment and strategic collaboration for the venue. It also represents a major step forward for Ghostwriter in both scale and geography, further strengthened by recent senior appointments aligned with the company’s ongoing growth strategy.

Home of the Glasgow Clan, Braehead Arena is embedded in the community and located on the banks of the River Clyde, just 4.5 miles from the city centre. The complex attracts 16.3 million visitors annually and benefits from supporting road networks, ample free parking, and a wide variety of pre-event on-site dining options. The arena is both easily accessible and cost-effective to attend, even when travelling from further afield, with an international airport only 10 minutes away.

Along with a convenient location, the venue provides promoters and artists with a valuable mid-capacity option that bridges the gap between smaller venues and arenas in the region. It offers substantial scale but boasts an auditorium that still feels intimate, ensuring an excellent customer experience in a memorable live music setting.

Gemma Shamah, Operations Director at Ghostwriter, said: “After being engaged as a specialist consultant to review venue operations and identify viable opportunities at Braehead Arena, we are delighted to be chosen as the long-term live music partner. Building on the insights gained through our consultancy and strengthening our relationship with Russell and the venue team, we’re committed to evolving the arena to safely host a diverse range of events and experiences. The space is highly versatile, offering both a fully seated 4,000 and a mixed-format 5,300 capacity. We can’t wait to welcome customers, promoters, and artists into what is truly a special and intimate arena.”

Helen McGee, Ghostwriter’s Head of Venues, added: “The arena has a rich and eclectic heritage, having hosted iconic artists like Oasis, Beyoncé, Megadeth, Kelly Clarkson, Blink-182, INXS, Pendulum, and Snoop Dogg. We aim to once again welcome high-profile performances, working with promoters and artists to deliver a new wave of memorable live experiences for audiences in this vibrant key territory.

“Partnering with Braehead Arena is an exciting step for us, and I firmly believe there’s a real need for a venue of this scale in Glasgow. I’m looking forward to working closely with Russell, David, and the venue team, as the choices we are making represent a shared commitment to driving positive change, engaging local communities, and challenging the status quo.

“I’m particularly pleased that the arena has chosen to recognise the challenges faced by touring artists in the streaming age, and the vital contribution that merchandise revenues now make to the viability of live shows. I also hope that not charging merchandise fees to artists will ultimately benefit our customers by helping to alleviate some of the pressure on ticket pricing as the additional revenue contributes towards the cost of touring.”

Russell Smith, CEO Braehead Arena and Glasgow Clan, comments: “We are delighted to continue working with Ghostwriter, reassured by consultancy that delivered industry expertise, detailed analysis, health & safety oversight, with operational and structural support.

“Working collaboratively, we will empower our team to deliver innovative solutions and implement recommendations, enhancing our overall business performance, shifting market position, and elevating customer experience.

“Driven by shared values, we are proud to be the largest venue and the first arena in the UK to be merchandise fee free for live music events, increasing revenue for artists.

“In partnership with Ghostwriter and other stakeholders, we will bring ‘Braehead Ambition’ to fruition by attracting eclectic retail and leisure activity to the region. We aim to build a sustainable and meaningful future for the venue, supporting both the live music sector and the community we continue to serve. This marks the first of a series of announcements that will see the venue thrive. Through incremental improvements and significant investment, we are positioning ourselves to strengthen our core offerings and elevate the level of service and experience for all our customers.

“The arena is a versatile, multipurpose venue and we aim to attract a wide range of content. From live music and comedy to immersive experiences and exhibitions, we’re committed to delivering a diverse array of exciting activities, including many more thrilling sporting events.”

The arena will operate a voluntary £1 donation per ticket in support of the LIVE Trust for all live music events, with all other Ghostwriter venues operating a voluntary £1 donation per ticket in support of Music Venues Trust.

We’re proud to announce that our Finance Director, Victoria Smith, has been appointed as one of eight new trustees to the LIVE Trust, the major new charitable vehicle launched by LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment) to safeguard the future of UK live music.

Victoria joins a board comprised of some of the industry’s most passionate and experienced leaders, working together to secure vital support for venues, artists, promoters, and the many professionals who make live music possible.

This appointment comes at a crucial time for the UK’s live music sector. Following the recommendations of the 2024 Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) report, the LIVE Trust was formed to deliver an industry-led response to the ongoing crisis facing grassroots venues and the wider ecosystem.

Victoria’s addition to the board reflects her deep expertise in financial strategy, commercial resilience, and her unwavering commitment to ensuring live music thrives in every community. She will serve a three-year term on a voluntary basis, bringing the perspective of Ghostwriter’s hands-on work in venue operations, event management and consultancy.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “Feeling unbelievably honoured to have joined the board of trustees at the LIVE Trust, alongside a powerhouse group of people I deeply admire.

“The LIVE Trust is a game-changing opportunity; a chance to support grassroots venues, artists, promoters, festival, and all the people who make live music what it is. We’ve been handed the baton after years of work to secure a contribution from arena and stadium shows, with one clear overarching goal: to secure and protect UK grassroots live music – I fully feel the weight of that responsibility.

“On Tuesday, we came together at the stunning Royal Albert Hall for our first meeting. As people filtered into the room, I was genuinely in awe (and a bit overwhelmed) by who had signed up for this. But what struck me most was when we each introduced ourselves, no one led with their career accolades (though they’re seriously impressive!) Everyone spoke about where they started. Why the grassroots isn’t just important, it’s personal – without grassroots venues, none of us would be here.”

The eight new trustees join three existing founding trustees:
• James Ainscough, CEO of the Royal Albert Hall
• Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 Music broadcaster and LIVE Chair
• Kirsty McShannon, founder and CEO of Azorra (recently elected as Chair of Trustees)

New appointees to the LIVE Trust board include:
• Adem Holness, Head of Music, SXSW London
• David Jones, ex-Founding Director, Serious and Co-Founder, EFG London Jazz Festival
• David Laing, ex-Head of Arts, Music and Cultural Venues, Glasgow Life
• Estelle Wilkinson, Artist Manager
• John Cornwell, Promoter and Director, SJM Concerts
• Simon Rix, Performing Artist, Kaiser Chiefs
• Wendy Smith, Creative Director, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

What does this mean for the future of live music?
With trustees representing every corner of the UK industry, from festival founders to artist managers and venue operators, the LIVE Trust is uniquely positioned to address challenges at every level. The Trust will oversee the distribution of funds raised from the voluntary £1 ticket levy on large-scale arena and stadium shows (over 5,000 capacity), already bolstered by support from leading artists such as Pulp, Diana Ross, Hans Zimmer, Gorillaz and more.

Victoria’s role on the board signals our ongoing commitment not only to the venues and partners we serve, but to the broader grassroots movement. Congratulations, Victoria, we look forward to the positive change your leadership will inspire.

We’re delighted to announce a long-term live music partnership with Quarters Brighton (450 capacity), as the company continues its strategic expansion across the UK.

This marks a transformative new chapter for Brighton’s iconic beachfront venue. Formerly known as The Arch and legendary nightclub The Zap, Quarters will undergo significant refurbishment across two phases, designed to greatly enhance both customer and artist experiences.

Phase one will see the installation of an L-Acoustics A15 sound system, a new lighting system and improved backstage facilities. It will also combine two existing spaces into a single dancefloor, with additional seating areas and an expanded stage provision. The reimagined venue is set to open its doors in late September 2025.

This announcement marks Ghostwriter’s second partnership with AMAAD (A Man About A Dog), the innovative promoters behind Junction 2, LWE and Boundary Festival, following the recent live music partnership at The Prospect Building in Bristol, featuring 3,000 and 1,350 capacity rooms.

As with all Ghostwriter partner venues, Quarters will not charge artists commission on merchandise sales. It will also offer customers the option to make a voluntary donation to the Music Venue Trust when purchasing tickets for live events.

AMAAD is a well-established electronic music event specialist with a stellar reputation, which together with Ghostwriter’s extensive live music experience will see Quarters offer an eclectic programme of events and activities, making the forward-thinking venue both inclusive and accessible. This collaboration will provide greater choice for both promoters and audiences, further enriching the vibrant tapestry of Brighton’s club and live music scene.

Carl Bathgate, Commercial Director at Ghostwriter, commented:

“We are delighted to be working with AMAAD again, as we share a strong commitment to inclusivity and creating high-quality, safe spaces with community at their heart. Our aim is to support both local and national promoters while delivering enjoyable and memorable experiences for artists and audiences alike. We believe venues should reflect the unique character of their local communities, have their own distinct personality and become valued assets that people can connect with and enjoy.”

AMAAD has committed to significant investment in both the venue and the wider Brighton scene, building on longstanding relationships and placing further emphasis on collaboration with a growing network of local businesses and talent across all aspects of the operation, from management to security.

Ade Dovey, Business and Programming Development Manager at Ghostwriter, added: “Quarters is an exciting new event space for both local and touring artists. With high-end production, comprehensive ticketing, marketing support, and artist-focused promotion, we aim to provide a welcoming stage for musicians to hone their craft, connect with new audiences and take the next step in their journey.

“Having begun my career in Brighton, the city holds a very special place in my heart. It’s an incredible place, a beacon for forward-thinking, independent music culture, driven by passionate local promoters and a never-ending stream of emerging talent across all genres. Quarters will be a welcome addition to Brighton’s network of grassroots venues, further enhancing what the city has to offer. I can’t wait to reconnect with such a vibrant live music scene again.”

Paul Jack and Will Harold, Founders of AMAAD, said:

“We have a long track record of transforming ideas into culturally significant projects and we’re very excited about Quarters. We aim to showcase world-class talent while also providing a platform for collaboration with Brighton’s diverse creative community. We’ve always loved Brighton’s independent attitude and see a great opportunity to build a forward-thinking venue that supports a wide range of culture in the area. Quarters will become an integral part of Brighton’s vibrant nightlife and a vital hub for culture and collaboration.”

Planned to open in late September 2025, and with further expansion and aesthetic improvements scheduled for 2026, this professionally delivered event space is now officially opening its diary for bookings.

We are proud to announce that our very own Head of Venues, Helen McGee, has joined the Music Venue Trust’s (MVT) Board of Trustees. Helen joins an esteemed cohort of newly appointed trustees, including Adrian Norman, Richard Perry, and Sammy Andrews, at a crucial time for the future of grassroots music.

They join existing trustees and each brings a unique mix of expertise and passion, strengthening MVT’s commitment to safeguarding the future of independent venues. As they join the existing board, the new trustees will play a vital role in shaping and supporting the organisation’s mission, providing essential guidance and oversight for the executive team at a pivotal time for live music in the UK.

Helen, who has a strong track record in managing events and venues, including over 22 years with Academy Music Group, said:

“I have been a supporter of MVT from the outset. What MVT has achieved so far in getting Grassroots Music Venues recognised as the vital lifeblood of the music industry that they are is extraordinary. But there is a long way to go to protect them and keep them central to the communities they support. I’m excited to have been offered an opportunity to be a part of this, and to contribute in whatever way I can.”

The appointment reflects Helen’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding the UK’s grassroots venues – a commitment shared by our whole company. The challenge ahead is significant: with venues under unprecedented pressure, how do we not only protect them but ensure they thrive as hubs of creativity and community?

As the live music sector faces transformative times, we’re excited to see Helen bring her vision and experience to MVT’s Board of Trustees. Congratulations, Helen, and thank you to the Music Venue Trust for recognising the need for strong, passionate voices at the table.

An unprecedented crowd of 15,000 motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to the 2025 Adventure Bike Rider (ABR) Festival at the picturesque Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, cementing its status as the UK’s premier gathering for fans of two-wheeled adventure.

With the festival growing bigger and more ambitious every year, this summer presented new challenges and opportunities for those working behind the scenes. Our Operations Director, Gemma Shamah, was on-hand to deliver comprehensive Health & Safety provision for the four-day event, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of thousands of attendees, and fields packed with tents, bikes, and live entertainment.

Health & Safety at Scale: Beyond Box-Ticking

Delivering Health & Safety at an event like ABR Festival is no ordinary undertaking. It demands not only on-the-ground agility but creative thinking, and real collaboration.

Reflecting on the experience, Gemma commented:

“Delivering health and safety at a major outdoor event like ABR Festival goes far beyond box-ticking. It’s about genuine collaboration, creative problem-solving, and – crucially – having the right expertise on site. I’m proud to have been part of the team keeping the festival running smoothly and everyone safe.”

A Partnership Built on Trust

We extend our sincere thanks to Adventurize for trusting in us to deliver this critical role. Supporting an event of this magnitude takes an army of passionate professionals, and we are proud to have contributed and been a small cog in the record-breaking success of this year’s festival.

If you’re a motorcycle fan, the ABR Festival is one to watch – and we can’t wait to see what next year brings.

📸 Photo credit: Adventure Bike Rider