Today (Monday 26th January) marks the start of the 13th edition of Independent Venue Week, the UK’s annual, seven-day celebration of the grassroots spaces that keep live music alive.
This year is the second biggest IVW ever, with 236 independently-owned venues taking part – a 10% increase on 2025 – and 700+ gigs and events happening across the country. From John O’Groats to Falmouth, cities, towns and villages are opening their doors to artists, fans and communities who believe in showing up for local music.
Why IVW matters for venues
January is traditionally one of the toughest months for independent venues. Rising costs, quieter calendars and ongoing pressures mean survival isn’t guaranteed – and that’s exactly where IVW steps in.
Independent Venue Week gives venues a moment in the spotlight. A chance to fill rooms, tell their story, reconnect with regulars and welcome new faces through the door. It’s not just about ticket sales – it’s about visibility, morale and reminding people that these places exist because communities support them.
As IVW Founder and CEO Sybil Bell puts it: “Venues want the opportunity to enjoy a positive, celebratory week that shines a light on the brilliant work they do year-round.”
What it means for artists
For artists – especially independent and emerging ones – IVW is about real-world connection. Playing to engaged crowds in rooms that care. Selling a few bits of merch. Meeting new listeners face-to-face. Building momentum the old-school way.
Since IVW launched in 2013, over one million tickets have been sold for events during the week – creating genuine fan-building opportunities and giving artists space to experiment, take risks and be heard.
This year’s programme spans everything from intimate solo shows to full-band chaos, with exclusive performances from IVW26 Artist Ambassadors Nova Twins, Brògeal (Scotland) and Eve Goodman (Wales), alongside hundreds of artists at every stage of their journey.
And for fans?
For fans, Independent Venue Week is an open invitation to get out of the house and into a room where something might happen.
It’s about discovering new artists for a fiver. Catching a favourite band in a 100-cap room. Standing at the bar chatting to strangers who become gig mates by the end of the night. Being present – not scrolling, not streaming, but fully in it.
As Sybil Bell says, “More than ever, fans are showing that they want to be out, in person with mates, being in the moment and not on a screen.”
A nationwide celebration with a local heartbeat
More than 200 venues are taking part this year, including 11 across the East Midlands, each hosting their own run of shows and events shaped by their local scenes. It’s a reminder that while IVW is a national moment, its power lies in local rooms – each with their own sound, story and community.
Alongside gigs, IVW also creates space for conversation, learning and collaboration – recognising that independent venues are not just places to watch bands, but cultural hubs that support artists, promoters and audiences year-round.
How to get involved
Independent Venue Week runs 26th January – 1st February.
Find shows, venues and events near you at:
www.independentvenueweek.com
Buy a ticket. Take a chance on someone new. Bring a mate. Support your local.
Because without these rooms, the rest of the music world doesn’t exist.
