Singer and rapper Tinie Tempah has expressed his enthusiasm for the Everywhere at Once festival, which celebrates grassroots music venues across the UK. The festival is set to take place this weekend in Southampton, coinciding with what would typically be the Glastonbury weekend.
The Everywhere at Once festival features thousands of artists performing at hundreds of venues nationwide, including locations in Hampshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire. Tempah is scheduled to perform at The 1865 and The Brook in Southampton, highlighting the significance of these smaller venues in the music scene.
Known for hits such as "Pass Out" and "Written in the Stars," Tempah emphasized the importance of grassroots venues during an interview with BBC South Today.
He stated, "The reason that I love grassroots venues is because you can really look into the white of a person’s eyes and build a way more solid connection." This personal connection, he believes, is vital for both artists and audiences.
Reflecting on his early career, Tempah noted that these venues were instrumental in helping him gain confidence and build a loyal fanbase. He expressed concern for the next generation of artists, stating that they face challenges in establishing sustainable careers in the music industry.
"It would be a shame to lose institutions that have almost been a gateway for artists like me to get as far as I have done," he added.
The Everywhere at Once festival is funded by the National Lottery and organized by Music Venue Trust, Save Our Scene, and The Association of Independent Promoters. Other notable artists participating in the festival include Fatboy Slim, Becky Hill, and Rizzle Kicks, all of whom share a commitment to supporting grassroots music.
According to the Music Venue Trust, there are over 800 grassroots music venues in the UK, with 53% showing no profit at all in 2025. The festival organizers aim to shine a spotlight on these venues, which provide essential platforms for emerging artists and affordable, unforgettable experiences for audiences.
