Celebrations erupted at The Depo, a prominent music venue in Plymouth, following its victory at the BBC Radio 1 Dance Music Awards. The venue was awarded the title of Best Grassroots Venue of the Year, a recognition that highlights its significant role in promoting underground music over the past year.
The award, presented on February 20, 2024, acknowledges small clubs that contribute to the music scene. The Depo was nominated in a public vote that concluded on February 13. Co-owner Ryan Platts, who manages the venue alongside Ben Gill-Carey, described the nomination and subsequent win as a remarkable achievement, stating it felt like a “pinch yourself moment.”
In a heartfelt message, The Depo team expressed gratitude to their supporters, saying, “We won! We are officially the winners of Radio 1 Dance Best Grassroots Music Venue, and this time this is all down to you. Your votes and support made this possible.” They emphasized the community’s role in securing this victory, which they believe has significantly elevated Plymouth’s status on the national music map.
The venue highlighted the importance of its achievement in the context of competition, noting that they surpassed larger cities with a much greater population and venues with more extensive social media followings. “People said we were putting Plymouth on the map before, but now with your help, we well and truly have, on a national scale on the biggest platform there is,” they stated.
Opened five years ago, The Depo has established itself as a vital space for live music and emerging talent in Plymouth. The management team hopes that this recognition will further enhance the venue’s offerings and contribute positively to the local music scene. “Being a grassroots venue comes with twists and turns at every corner,” they noted, expressing optimism that this award will help them develop The Depo and the city into a more vibrant cultural hub.
In addition to the award, The Depo has experienced a recent surge of excitement, including interaction from well-known American rapper 50 Cent, who liked an Instagram post promoting his childhood friend, Lloyd Banks, who is set to perform at an upcoming event later this year.
The recognition from BBC Radio 1 not only honors The Depo’s contributions to music but also serves as a testament to the strength and passion of the Plymouth community, which continues to support local talent and venues.
