The Leadmill launches crowdfunder to reopen as new independent venue

Beloved Sheffield venue The Leadmill has announced a nationwide crowdfunding campaign to help establish a new permanent home.

Following a long legal battle, The Leadmill in Sheffield was forced to close its doors last year. The premises are now home to Electric Sheffield, which recently unveiled its spring 2026 programme, and is owned by Electric Group. 

The Leadmill first opened its doors in 1980. It saw performances from local artists Arctic Monkeys, Jarvis Cocker, and Richard Hawley, as well as Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Strokes, Jorja Smith, Annie Mac, and more. 

More than 10 million people have attended events at The Leadmill, making the venue synonymous with grassroots culture, artist development and community-driven programming.

After 45 years, The Leadmill is entering a new chapter following its departure from its original premises and is seeking public support to secure a permanent new home to ensure live music, comedy, club nights, and spoken-word events.

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The venue’s campaign, named #TheNewLeadmill - Powered By The People, asks supporters to donate £5, £10, £20 or more to put towards the cost of securing, fitting out, and opening a new venue. 

All funds raised, minus standard transaction fees, will be held in a ring-fenced account dedicated solely to the creation of the new venue.

As a privately run company, The Leadmill does not receive the public funding or tax reliefs available to council-owned cultural spaces. 

A spokesperson for The Leadmill said: “This campaign is about safeguarding independent culture. If The Leadmill has ever been part of someone’s story - a first gig, a favourite night out - this is a chance to help ensure it exists for the next generation.” 

The Leadmill’s Crowdfunder is live now and open to anyone in the UK or internationally. You can donate here. 

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Header image credit: The Leadmill