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.