Carnglaze Caverns Wins Battle to Stay Open After Safety Row
Popular Underground Venue Secures Future After Licensing Battle
Carnglaze Caverns, the beloved underground music and wedding venue nestled near Liskeard, has finally emerged from months of uncertainty with its operating licence intact. The venue announced this week that Cornwall Council has signed a consent order, allowing it to continue hosting the events that have made it a cornerstone of the local entertainment scene for over two decades.
The Rum Store space within the caverns had faced potential closure after the council revoked its premises licence in January, following safety concerns raised by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service. The decision sent shockwaves through the local music community and left couples with upcoming weddings scrambling for alternative venues. Throughout the lengthy appeal process, Carnglaze remained operational but was forced to cancel numerous bookings—a situation the venue describes as “beyond our control.”
Now, with the licensing dispute resolved, the team is preparing to welcome back performers, couples, and visitors with renewed energy. The venue has consistently maintained that it operates fully within Health and Safety Executive regulations, a position now formally recognised by the council’s decision.
What This Means for Local Musicians and the Community
The resolution is particularly significant for Cornwall’s independent music scene, where underground venues like Carnglaze play a vital role in supporting local and touring artists. Musicians who regularly perform here have celebrated the news enthusiastically. Willie Edwards of Willie and the Bandits called it the “best news this year,” while the folk trio 3 Daft Monkeys praised it as “absolutely brilliant” for such an “exceptionally beautiful and well-run venue.”
For those considering a visit to Newquay or exploring Cornwall’s wider entertainment offerings, Carnglaze represents the kind of unique, locally-treasured space that makes the region distinctive. Unlike standard concert halls, the cavern setting provides an atmospheric and intimate experience impossible to replicate elsewhere. Wedding couples throughout mid-Cornwall have also expressed relief, knowing one of their favourite venues can continue hosting celebrations.
The venue’s significance extends beyond entertainment. It’s become a gathering place for the community—a spot where memories are made, talent is discovered, and local culture thrives. The team’s commitment to keeping this space alive demonstrates how important these independent venues are to keeping regional culture vibrant and accessible to everyone.
What Happens Next and How to Support Local Venues
With the licensing battle behind it, Carnglaze Caverns is now rebuilding its events calendar. The venue is actively re-booking performances and celebrations that were cancelled during the dispute, and is open to new inquiries from musicians, couples, and event organisers.
For locals and visitors, the key takeaway is simple: these independent venues need your support. If you enjoy live music, enjoy hosting celebrations in unique spaces, or simply appreciate the character that places like Carnglaze add to Cornwall’s cultural landscape, now is the time to show up. Check their social media for upcoming gigs and events, book tickets, and bring friends.
Whether you’re planning to go to Newquay for a weekend break or exploring mid-Cornwall attractions, don’t overlook the gems in surrounding areas. Venues like Carnglaze offer experiences you won’t find in larger, commercialised spaces. The licensing resolution also highlights the importance of dialogue between venues and local authorities—safety and accessibility can coexist, as this outcome demonstrates. Keep an eye on local venue announcements in coming weeks as Carnglaze announces its full reopening schedule.
Source: Cornwall venue Carnglaze Caverns keeps licence after safety row
