24 March 2020, London: #VirtualPint, a new fundraising initiative helping fans to support vulnerable UK music venues, theatres and pubs, has launched in response to the unprecedented challenge faced by venues during the coronavirus pandemic.

The fundraiser, which lets fans buy virtual drinks in exchange for entry into a prize draw, is already being celebrated by artists, festivals and industry.

Punters can buy a virtual pint for £3.50, a virtual cocktail for £5, or a virtual round for £20, with the extensive menu even extending to non-alcoholic beverages. Supporters will be entered into a prize draw, which includes tickets to festivals such as End of the Road, 2000TREES and ArcTanGent. Other prizes include band merchandise; bar tabs; recording time at The Libertines’ The Albion Room studio; and gig tickets, with more to be announced.

50% of the proceeds will go to the Music Venue Trust, who provide crucial support to venues all over the UK, and 50% directly to some of the UK's favourite small and independent venues at this critical time. This money will go to helping those venues most at risk, to keep the lights on and pay towards overheads that may not be covered by any government initiatives. The allocation of funds will be decided by a committee assembled by Green House Group, who are coordinating the initiative.

Artists, festivals and industry are already lining up to raise awareness for the cause, with supporters including The Libertines, The Kooks, Echo and the Bunnymen, Reverend and the Makers, Sorry, End of the Road, 2000TREES, ArcTanGent, NME, Clash Magazine, Drowned In Sound, Louder, The Line of Best Fit, Complete Music Update, Loud & Quiet, UK Music, Tunbridge Wells Forum, Southbank Centre, The Lexington, and Shed Seven.

Fans can support the campaign by visiting http://bit.ly/virtualpints, which currently stands at almost 50% of its initial goal, and stay updated of its progress by following on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.