IT’S one of the most iconic small music venues in the country which has seen the likes of Oasis, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, The Libertines and Radiohead take to its stage.

However, the Joiners in St Mary’s Street has had to seek the public’s help after a hefty repair bill brought it to the brink of closure.

Within 24 hours the venue’s supporters raised more than £5,000 to save it and at going to press the total had topped £5,300.

Club bosses say crucial repairs are needed to keep the venue open after damage was caused to the building by recent torrential rain.

Outside of university term time, the venue says it operates at a loss.

Ricky Bates, the Joiners’ head of promotions who is leading the appeal, said in a statement : “Thank you all so much for donating so far we appreciate every single one of your support.

“We hit our original target of £5,000 in less than 24 hours! It means so much to us that the music community has stepped up to help because no one else would!

“There are a number of critical repairs that if not carried out very soon will mean we will not be able to keep the venue open far into the future as the building is subject to an “all repairing” lease which means we are responsible for the general wear and tear of the building which is now more than 100 years old.”

The venue is due to celebrate it’s 50th anniversary next year.

Ricky added: “I go to venues all over the country and I have not been to another where everyone is so versed in music. It’s about trying to instil the mentality that these venues need supporting all year round.”

Councillor Satvir Kaur, culture cabinet member who visited the Joiners in her student days said: “It’s really good that Southampton has come together to recognize independent venues like the Joiners.

“The grassroots is the key to unlocking the future of culture in Southampton and local people supporting an independent music venue is a great example of this.”

The Joiners is one of a group of venues –which also includes Talking Heads, The 1865 and The Brook and The Alex – which take part in Southampton’s Independent Venue Week.

Sybil Bell, founder of the week, which takes place in January said: “These venues are absolutely crucial for these bands starting out in their mid to late teens, turning up with a handful of sequels. They understand that bands won’t pull hundreds of people, and still say ‘you can learn your craft here.’ It’s important to support these people.”

To donate to the appeal, visit gofundme.com/help-repair-the-joiners.