Independent Venue Week kicks off on Monday 30th January through to Sunday 5th February, featuring shows from Suede, Young Fathers, The Murder Capital, Anna Meredith, Philip Selway, beabadoobee, Amber Arcades, Adwaith, Benefits, The Unthanks, The Pretenders and many many more! Marking their 10th anniversary, more than 300 UK venues will host hundreds of gigs and events in the UK’s biggest celebration of independent live music!
Celebrating their 10th anniversary, IVW 2023 are encouraging music fans from across the UK to support their local venue and enjoy hundreds of live gigs and events throughout the week. Fans are also asked to share their experiences by posting photos and videos online using the #IVW23 and #10YearsofIVW hashtags. More than 300 independent venues will participate in IVW 2023, ranging from iconic halls like The Troxy, which holds over 3,000 people, through to the tiny Grayston Unity in Halifax, which recently doubled in size to a miniscule 35-capacity. These include 64 venues taking part for the first time, and brand new venues such as New Century (Manchester), HERE (London), Leith Depot (Edinburgh) and Dros Ben Tan (Neath).
Suede, Young Fathers, You Me At Six, Editors, Anna Meredith, Band of Skulls, Amber Arcades, Brian Jonestown Massacre, beabadoobee, Adwaith, The Pretenders, Springs, The Unthanks, Benefits, LIFE, English Teacher, Philip Selway and Rozi Plain are just a few of the amazing artists who will be playing shows throughout the week.
Supported by Arts Council England thanks to National Lottery players, BBC Radio 6 Music, See Tickets, Beavertown, PPL, The Brits Trust Ltd, Creative Scotland, Marshall, TagMix, Creative Wales, Warchild and BBC Music Introducing, IVW’s 10th anniversary Artist Ambassadors for 2023 are beabadoobee, Radiohead’s Philip Selway, Young Fathers (Scotland) and Adwaith (Wales).
Sybil Bell, Founder of Independent Venue Week 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.”
As part of IVW’s partner programme, Independent Venue Community, IVW will also be presenting a number of activities of their sister community programme during Independent Venue Week.
Young People: We are running a series of Soundcheck Sessions around the country across the week, where young people can visit a venue before doors open to the public, and meet the artists, their crew and the backstage team to learn more about how a show and tour are put together. Artists involved include LIFE, Ben Ottewell, SOFY and Band of Skulls.
Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent: IVW is proud of our long-term commitment to improving accessibility for disabled audiences, artists and backstage staff. In addition to our partnership with the charity Attitude is Everything, where IVW are running a series #JustAsk sessions for promoters, IVW is proud to support shows from Kris Halpin (who will support Philip Selway at The Boileroom in Guildford), and Sanjeev Mann, aka Supermann on da beat, who will headline a special Amplifi show at The Queens Hall in Edinburgh.
Mental health and Wellbeing: IVW is delighted to be supporting a live show from our long-time Ambassador and friend Big Jeff with his band The Outlines at Bristol’s Louisiana – his first since his accident last year. IVW are also running a six-week Peer-to-Peer Support session in partnership with Tonic Rider and Help Musicians UK, taking place in Leeds.
LGBTQIA+: As part of IVW’s ongoing partnership with Come Play With Me in Leeds, IVW will provide support for both their I Know A Place event and Side By Side sessions for promoters.
For a complete list of all IVW gigs and venues, please head to independentvenueweek.com.
