Newcastle Uni graduate to cycle from Manchester to Newcastle in support of music studio

A Newcastle University graduate is cycling from Manchester to Newcastle to support local music venues facing closures.

Ben Reid plans to cycle 148 miles on a child bike to support Cobalt Studios in Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Cobalt Studios is a not-for-profit, community venue founded in 1999 by four designers. It hosts live music, club nights and creative education programmes at its Ouseburn location.

Ben plans to adjust his stabilisers and set off from Manchester on 30th July, hoping to reach Newcastle by around 3rd August.

Ben explained his motivation behind the cause is due to the venues’ ongoing support, saying: “I’m doing it for Cobalt because it’s given me a lot in the last three years. I wanted other people who come to university in Newcastle to be able to have a chance to experience the same things that I have – because it’s magic.

“When I got wind of how delicate the finances were I wanted to help, this place has got too much to offer culturally for it to be lost to the cost of living crisis or the crisis of all the venues closing down.”

Kate Hodgkinson, founder and creative director of Cobalt Studios said: “Running Cobalt has never been particularly easy but year on year it gets harder and harder. The cost-of-living crisis combined with the impact of COVID-19 and the rising cost of everything else is just a daily challenge.

“Despite the challenges, we passionately believe that our direct community and the wider music and arts community really benefit from spaces like this. Many small venues, Cobalt included, also offer education opportunities as well as being a bedrock for the music industry.

“For many they are also places of positive mental health, learning and connection. Capitalism leaves no room for these projects, and we need to fight hard to protect them across the UK.

Expressing her appreciation to Ben for his fundraising, she said: “We are beyond grateful that Ben is doing this ride for us, we will support him as much as we can, and we ask that people along the way also do the same.”

Ben further added: “It’s not just about Cobalt, but raising awareness about the current venue closure crisis and the fact that more communities surrounding these venues need to band together and help.”

You can donate to Ben’s JustGiving page here.

Alternatively, you can follow Ben’s bicycle tracks and support Cobalt Studios or other community venues by attending events or volunteering.

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