Music Venues Trust
The Junction Pub, Rainford earns national recognition for grassroots music
The Junction Pub, Rainford has been accepted as a member of the Music Venues Trust, recognising its vital role in supporting live music, emerging talent and the local community.
The UK-registered charity works to protect, secure and improve grassroots music venues, formally recognising what customers have long known — that the Junction is much more than a pub.
Landlord Paul Draper said: “We are proud to become a member of the Music Venues Trust, which recognises the value of grassroots music venues that support local and international musicians.”
The recognition adds to the Junction’s impressive record of community support, having won CAMRA’s Community Pub of the Year award for the past four consecutive years.
Live music takes place every night of the week, with more than 200 performances annually across the venue’s various spaces. Its programme includes acoustic sessions, twice-weekly open-mic nights and performances by touring international artists, including American bluegrass acts The Mike Mitchell Band, Special Consensus and Kristy Cox.
The Junction employs more than 25 people, including six full-time staff, and is supported by volunteers who help deliver events, promote performances and maintain the venue.Professional musicians also mentor emerging performers, helping develop new talent while keeping traditional music alive. The majority of regular events are free to customers, making live music accessible to a wide audience.
The Junction’s community work extends beyond the stage through Rainford Junction Festival Community Interest Company, which promotes bluegrass and old-time music, with a particular focus on encouraging young people to get involved.
Since launching in December 2025, the organisation has raised more than £7,000, including £1,500 in private donations. It has also secured prizes worth more than £2,500 for its Saturday Night Gala.
The fundraising has enabled two young musicians to attend the week-long Sore Fingers residential bluegrass and old-time music course in April 2026, with two further young people recommended for support through the British Bluegrass Music Association (BBMA).
Further backing came in April, when the organisation received a £3,200 grant from the Duchy of Lancaster. The funding will support a schools programme and shuttle service designed to widen access to music and community activities, particularly for children with special educational needs, refugee children and vulnerable women and children.
With regular festivals, community partnerships and a packed programme of live performances, the Junction continues to demonstrate how grassroots music venues can nurture talent, preserve musical traditions and bring people together.
Its new Music Venues Trust membership marks another milestone for a Rainford venue firmly established at the heart of its c
