Independent Venue Week returns on Monday 26th January, and ahead of the nationwide celebration of grassroots spaces, two new artist ambassadors have been announced. Falkirk’s explosive five-piece Brògeal and North Wales folk artist Eve Goodman will represent Scotland and Wales for IVW26, joining national ambassadors Nova Twins.
The week will once again see hundreds of independently-owned venues across the UK hosting gigs, special events and one-off moments spanning every genre imaginable – a reminder of just how vital these spaces are to emerging artists, local culture and the live music ecosystem.
BRÒGEAL – SCOTTISH AMBASSADORS
Brògeal were one of last year’s standout IVW acts, bringing their raucous blend of Celtic folk, punk and indie to stages around the country. Formed during lockdown, they’ve taken a graft-first approach, building their audience through relentless touring and supporting Paolo Nutini, The Mary Wallopers and The Lathums.
Their debut album Tuesday Paper Club earned praise from Rolling Stone, The Independent, Clash, The New Cue and more – full of lyrical storytelling, chaos, heart and humour.
For Brògeal, independent venues are where everything began: “For the past five years we’ve made our bread and butter performing at independent venues. If it weren’t for these places taking chances on young musicians, we’d never have got to where we are. The future of music relies on these spaces – so get out this IVW and support them!”
EVE GOODMAN – WELSH AMBASSADOR
Raised in North Wales, Eve Goodman has built a reputation for tender, thoughtful songwriting influenced by Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake and Adrianne Lenker. Her 2024 debut Summer Sun, Winter Trees navigated grief and healing with striking honesty, while her 2025 Welsh-language collaboration with SERA, Natur, earned glowing praise from Nation.Cymru.
Eve says independent venues have shaped her from the very beginning: “Indie venues have been the beating heart of my musical life since my teens. Showing up for these spaces is a beautifully radical act – it supports real people, real passion and real livelihoods. Keep music live: buy tickets in advance and spread the word about the gigs you’re excited about!”
VENUES: LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR IVW26
More than 200 venues across the UK are expected to take part in IVW26, stretching from John O’Groats to Truro. Any venue wanting to get involved has until 9 December to register.
Shows are being confirmed daily – tours, one-off hometown shows, all-dayers, multi-venue takeovers and everything in between – with full listings updated regularly.
Sign up, listings and info: www.independentvenueweek.com
ABOUT INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK
Independent Venue Week is the UK’s annual seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues, shining a light on the people who own, run and work in them. Every January, IVW brings together artists, promoters, agents, labels and local communities to create a unique series of grassroots gigs across the UK.
Supported by Arts Council England, Creative Wales, Creative Scotland, PPL and Beavertown, IVW champions the vital role these venues play in the live music ecosystem – from giving new artists their first break to sustaining local scenes and cultural spaces.
FOLLOW INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK
All Links: IVW
Instagram: @IVW_UK
Facebook: @independentvenueweek
Hashtag: #IVW26
