Community benefit org, MVP, raising money for Peggy's Skylight venue
Peggy's Skylight continues to put on vibrant jazz shows, despite period of concern around building ownership changing hands.
Chilly this morning and only nearing 10 degrees by 3pm. Rain and wind are at a minimum today though, so that's something to be pleased about.
If you've not yet made to Peggy's Skylight, Saturdays are the easiest way to sample what's on offer. There are two "Unplugged" sessions today, at 12:30 and 2:30, lasting an hour an a half - music is just in the last hour. These sessions are acoustic, relaxed sets designed for you to pop into the club, have a drink or some food, and take a break from Saturday shopping. You can drop in, but to ensure a table you can reserve a ticket online.
Peggy's has been through an uncertain few years. Much like the Victoria Centre Market, the Council have been looming over 3 George Street as owners of the building and threatening to sell it, leaving Peggy's with an unsure future. This threat came suddenly in February 2023, and has lingered around since.
Initially, the building was to be auctioned that February, despite founders Rachel Foster and Paul Deets saying that they'd be interested in buying the building, if only given more time to put funds together. A petition was put together asking the council to reconsider, with 14,333 signatories adding their voice to the request. It's not clear if it was the outcry, or just the way of things, but the auction was postponed with the Leader of Nottingham City Council at the time citing "some outstanding legal issues needing to be resolved".
The limbo continues, but help has come along. Music Venue Properties is a Community Benefit Society - like a charity, but which is allowed to sell profit accruing shares - that intends to liberate independent clubs and community spaces from landlords and the risk of being evicted. They raise money, by crowd funding largely, to buy the buildings as community owned assets.
MVP raised £2.88 million in their first round of funding, to support venues around the UK. Peggy's is included in this second round of funding, which appears to still be open, despite the organisation intending to close the round at the end of 2025. They currently have over £1.5 million.
