Sheffield Leadmill Loses Eviction Appeal, Faces 3-Month Vacate Deadline

Sheffield's iconic music venue, The Leadmill, has lost its legal battle against eviction and must vacate its premises within three months, marking the end of an era for a venue that has been a cultural cornerstone since 1980. The eviction notice was served by landlord Electric Group, who also owns several other venues across the UK, and despite extensive support from artists and the local community, The Leadmill's appeal was denied by both the High Court and Court of Appeal. The venue, which has hosted renowned acts including Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, and Coldplay, warned that the ruling sets a worrying precedent for business tenants nationwide, effectively stripping tenants of rights and enabling landlords to evict and replicate tenants' businesses. Over seventy jobs are expected to be lost as a result of the eviction, although The Leadmill has announced a series of farewell events and plans to continue supporting Sheffield’s music scene by relocating future gigs. The venue expressed deep devastation but remains committed to fighting for independent music and culture in Sheffield. This decision has been widely viewed as a significant cultural loss to the Sheffield community and independent live music scene.