The Lab looks towards a positive future following latest Crowdfunder success

The Lab has raised more than 2,500 through its Crowdfunder campaign.

Music and community hub The Lab has raised more than £2,500 through its #SaveOurVenues Crowdfunder campaign.

The Northampton venue recently held ‘Lab Aid’ which saw musicians, committee members and friends of the venue, perform online across two days.

Through this event and its existing fundraising, it has raised a total of £2,519 through 116 donations.

Kirsty Grace, from the venue's committee: said “Lab Aid was really well supported and shared. All of the contributing artists were fantastic.

“Prior to Lab Aid, we had raised around £620 via Crowdfunder. We have now raised £2,519. It was wonderful to see the community pull together online and we are extremely grateful everyone who has donated.”

During the weekend there were performances by Miss Grace as well as Pat Fish, Niall Skinne, Kings Gambit, Tarantism, Katie Paton, DJ OP1, Karl Phillips, Sarah Fiyah, Nathan Doyle, Cameron Grace, The Cars That Ate Paris, Sheldon Morrison, Hattie Hatstar and Steve Wilson at the Charles Street venue.

There was also a video from renowned author Alan Moore.

Although The Lab has not publicly opened its doors since lockdown restrictions were lifted on pubs, Both Miss Grace and the wider committee team are optimistic about the future and have been using this period of downtime to develop their vision.

The venue has been able to host private meetings, rehearsals and recordings sessions since lockdown - all of which have confirmed to Government social distancing requirements.

Miss Grace added: “The future for The Lab is looking positive. We have received the small business financial support from the council.

“Our landlords have been very supportive throughout and our wonderful volunteers and committee members have been working hard to keep things moving in the background.

“We’re managing our money very carefully in a way that means we can continue to stay closed until the time comes when it is safe to reopen.

“Although we have not been able to open or run events, we have been learning so much during this time to enable us to be an even better music venue and community hub.”

The Lab is the latest in a line of music venues across Northampton to successfully raise money to help it through the impact of closure caused by the coronavirus.

The Roadmender, Picturedrome and The Black Prince have all held similar fundraising appeals in recent months.

Miss Grace added: “We would like to thank everybody who has supported us so far during the pandemic.

“A big shout out especially to the Lay It Down urban collective, who have been recording and releasing videos prior to Lab Aid to help get the word out about our Crowdfunder.

“Also, to everybody working hard to keep The Lab on the map.

“The Lab will be back to bring music and creativity to the community.

“We look forward to seeing you all when we are able to open.”

Anyone with any enquiries or questions about the venue can email [email protected].

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/thelabnorthampton