LIVE Trust confirms eight new trustees

The LIVE Trust has announced eight new trustees, expanding the board behind its mission to support the UK’s grassroots live music sector.

The new trustees bring a breadth of experience from across the live music industry and join founding trustees James Ainscough, Steve Lamacq and Kirsty McShannon. 

The eight new trustees are:

• Adem Holness, head of music at SXSW London
• David Jones, ex-founding director of Serious and co-founder of EFG London Jazz Festival
• David Laing, ex-head of arts, music and cultural venues at Glasgow Life
• Estelle Wilkinson, artist manager
• John Cornwell, promoter and a director at SJM Concerts
• Simon Rix, performing artist with Kaiser Chiefs
• Victoria Smith, finance director and shareholder at Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events
• Wendy Smith, creative director at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and performing artist

At the board’s first in-person meeting at the Royal Albert Hall this week, Kirsty was also elected chair of trustees.

Jon Collins, chief executive of LIVE said: “The election of Kirsty McShannon to chair of

trustees was a landmark moment for the board and recognises her industry experience, personal qualities and important role shaping the remit of the trust as one of the founding trustees. 

“Given the high-profile nature of the trust and the importance of its work, we knew these appointments would be closely scrutinised. 

“Having made a commitment to the industry and to Parliament that the board would be representative of roles, regions and characteristics, we are delighted to unveil such a strong set of trustees.”

Representing venues, artists, festivals and promoters, the LIVE Trust was established in response to a 2024 Culture, Media and Sport report and is responsible for a voluntary £1 ticket contribution on major shows. 

Over 800,000 ticket sales have already been pledged, with funds to be directed where need is most urgent.

Steve Lamacq, LIVE chair, added: “Appointing the trustees has been a long, detailed and considered process. 

“We were delighted to receive almost 50 very high-quality expressions of interest in joining the board. 

“I would like to thank Charisse, James and Kirsty for joining me on the appointment panel and taking their role so seriously.

“I look forward to working with the new trustees to set the foundations for the trust’s work in the months and years ahead.”

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