Next week marks the UK’s Independent Venue Week (IVW). Beginning Monday 26 January, the event is an annual, nationwide celebration of the often overlooked venues, and raises awareness of just how vital these places are for grassroots artists, and wider communities.
Since the first IVW back in 2014, it has grown exponentially and supports venues across all four nations of the United Kingdom. From iconic spaces like Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, to London’s Troxy and Manchester’s Gullivers, IVW celebrates venues of any shape and size, and not just music venues, with many of them hosting a variety of events throughout the year.
Guided by a mantra of “purpose over profit”, venues are selected based on their contributions to their communities, putting locals at the heart of the events rather than any corporate stakeholders. As their website explains, it doesn’t matter who owns the venue—it’s the people in charge of programming and their commitment to audiences that make the difference.
Supported by a multitude of sponsors, the main partners of the event are Arts Council England, and BBC Radio 6. Radio 6 DJs Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens will be dedicating airtime to highlight the events, with Lamacq even broadcasting live from the Brudenell Social Club on Monday, bringing listeners directly into the heart of the action.
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music, emphasised the importance of these spaces, saying: “At 6 Music, we are passionate about the vital role independent venues play in the industry—opening doors of opportunity for artistic expression across all musical genres.”
Just as the Music Venue Trust reported a decline in towns and cities visited by touring artists, IVW brings artists to nooks and crannies around the country. Indie band The Bug Club will be visiting Lincoln and Northampton, while country band The Cactus Blossoms will visit York’s Pocklington Arts Centre. The Cactus Blossoms will be supported by country duo Campbell/Jensen, featuring Ashley Campbell, the daughter of country legend Glen Campbell.
Beyond the performances, IVW also highlights the broader impact of independent venues on society. Big Jeff, described as a prolific gig-goer, revealed the importance of these places, calling them “a modern-day version of churches.” They offer people a “third place”, somewhere outside of work and home, where they can socialise and relax, and ultimately combat loneliness and alienation.
IVW has also supported various charities and gigs over its 11 year history, again placing the community at the centre of everything they do. Gig Buddies help partner neurodivergent people with music-loving volunteers, and highlight the independence it helps give them. Soundcheck Sessions allow groups of young people to attend soundchecks during the day of an evening gig, giving them a chance to ask the musicians and crew questions, encouraging an interest in grassroots venues.
One of IVW key tenets is highlighting the funding struggles many of the venues have, particularly issues around funding amid the continuing cost of living crisis. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel however, with the UK government acting quickly to implement a voluntary £1 levy on large-scale arena shows. These funds will then be redirected to small venues, and many of the venues participating will be able to benefit from the scheme. Ticketmaster UK recently made a £60,000 donation to the Music Venue Trust, suggesting that a levy would be welcomed by the ticketing giant.
IVW is not just a celebration of live music; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of grassroots venues and the communities they serve. As audiences collect over the coming week, they’ll be supporting the future of live music and the places where artists and fans come together, and hopefully establishing a lifelong relationship with many of the amazing spaces which act as a talent pipeline for the UK’s £7.6 billion live music industry.
