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VirtualPints fundraiser launched to support independent venues

Fans who want to help UK music venues, theatres and pubs that are facing challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic can now buy a virtual drink.

The new fundraising initiative, launched by The Green House Group on Change.org, has been called #VirtualPint and allows fans to buy virtual drinks in exchange for entry into a prize draw to win tickets, band merchandise, bar tabs, and recording time at The Libertines’ The Albion Room studio, with more offers to be announced.

Donation options range from a £2 Cream Soda to a £200 bottle of Dom Perignon, with other price points including a Quarintini, which costs £10 or a Bourbon for £6.

In order to be entered into the prize draw, fans will need to buy at least a round of drinks for £20, or an open tab for £100 or Dom Perignon.

Fifty-per-cent of the proceeds will go to the Music Venue Trust, who provide support to venues across the UK, and 50 per cent will go directly to small and independent venues.

A committee assembled by Green House Group, a digital support service for artists, brands and promoters, will decide the allocation of funds. The initiative has already achieved more than 50 per cent of its £5,000 target.

The group said: “This money will go to helping those venues most at risk, to keep the lights on and pay towards overheads that may not be covered by any government initiatives.”

The initiative has been backed by the likes of The Libertines, The Kooks, Echo and the Bunnymen, Reverend and the Makers, Sorry, End of the Road, 2000TREES, ArcTanGent, NME, and Shed Seven, among others.

Fans can support the campaign here.