ONE of Colchester’s best known music venues is to receive a grant worth thousands of pounds to pay for a new sound desk and improved lighting.

The Three Wise Monkeys, in Colchester High Street, has received more than £4,000 from the Music Venue Trust (MVT), and it is hoped the cash grant will improve the level of production at the venue.

The total sum, which sits at £4,169, has come specifically from what is called the MVT’s pipeline investment fund, an initiative which provides grants of up to £5,000 for UK grassroots music venues.

The grant is understandably welcome news for the Three Wise Monkeys.

But with funds being invested in rising operational costs, sound and lighting technology has been left outmoded, as the venue’s live event manager, Alan Jones, explained.

He said: "Our current sound desk does not have enough capabilities to run more than 14 channels. As a standalone grassroots venue, it is hard to put on even the basic full band shows.

"The quality of the new pre-amps, sound desk and lighting will allow the venue to provide a much higher level of production, making guest experiences even better."