As Oporto sees an almost 100% cancellation rate for live music events for the forseeable future we want to do something to protect and help bridge the gap in wages for those losing out on work in the live music and creative sectors.

These people are our friends and colleagues, from sound engineers, box office and gig reps, to DJs and casual bar staff all are staring down zero pay for the near future. Our industry is in real danger of collapse, many talented and deserving people are being left vulnerable and we want to try and do our bit to help them, at least until the govenment fully sorts out it's plan.

For the most part this is out of our control, as tours and external hires of the venue are cancelling amid the advice being given and corresponding fall in sales. For small venues like ours these bookings are supposed to pay the freelance staff directly, and covering their personal loss is becoming an increasingly wide gap for us to fill. Artists will still be paid for missed work or via rescheduled events but we will help here too where appropriate.

On this note, all tickets will remain valid for rescheduled dates. Tickets can be refunded, but we would ask you to consider supporting the venue, promoters and artists by not refunding them if you are able to afford to, our small team is working hard to make sure every show comes back and the bar and venue isn't damaged in the long run.

Oporto & Knave's Kitchen remain open for the time being, but it is likely this fund would need expanding in the event of full closure to cover our casual staff and further cancellations. If we smash this modest total we'll keep giving to more in need areas of our industry and we'll try and make something special to give back to all who donated as a thank you.

This is a tough time for all, but the price of a gig ticket, a round of drinks or a meal if you're self isolating would go a long way in this case, it all helps keep the people behind this great industry going.

Much love as always,

The good ship Oporto.