Joe GallopIndependent Venue Week (IVW), the UK’s annual seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues, returns this week to celebrate its 10-year anniversary, with more than 300 venues taking part.
Venues involved range in size from the 3,000-capacity Troxy in London to the Grayston Unity in Halifax, which can accommodate audiences of 35. The event will see 64 venues take part for the first time, including new facilities such as New Century (Manchester), Here (London), Leith Depot (Edinburgh) and Dros Ben Tan (Neath).
IVW’s 10th-anniversary artist ambassadors are beabadoobee, Radiohead’s Philip Selway, Young Fathers (Scotland) and Adwaith (Wales). Artists performing during the week include Suede, You Me At Six, Editors, Anna Meredith, Band of Skulls, Amber Arcades, Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Pretenders, Springs, The Unthanks, Benefits, LIFE, English Teacher, Philip Selway and Rozi Plain.
IVW founder Sybil Bell said, “We’re beyond excited to have reached 10 years of shining a spotlight on our amazing community who work so tirelessly year round. With such amazing support from our partners, we are able to have a nationwide celebration of independent and unique spaces in every nook and cranny of the country whilst helping nurture new talent on and off stage.
“I would encourage everyone to check out shows in their local area, buy a ticket and have a great night out with mates whilst supporting locally-owned independent businesses. We’re excited for the week ahead and for the next 10 years.”
IVW is running a series of soundcheck sessions around the country across the week, where young people can visit a venue, before the doors are opened to the public, to meet the artists, their crew and the backstage team.
The event is continuing its Just Ask Campaign, launched in partnership with accessibility charity Attitude is Everything in 2021. The campaign will involve sessions targeted at promoters which aim to ensure that all artists and their crew are given the chance to share access requirements ahead of a performance.
IVF will also feature a week of programming from its broadcast partner BBC Radio 6 Music, including Steve Lamacq’s nationwide five-day tour, featuring a series of shows from different independent venues.
It is supported by Arts Council England, the National Lottery, BBC Radio 6 Music, See Tickets, Beavertown, PPL, The Brits Trust Ltd, Creative Scotland, Marshall, TagMix, Creative Wales, Warchild and BBC Music Introducing.