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The station’s coverage for Independent Venue Week 2026 kicks off on Monday, 26 January, with the special teatime show from Strings co-hosted by Lamacq and Stephens with a four-day programming block aiming to highlight the role such spaces play in regional music cultures and the ongoing challenges they face.
Established in 2017 and run by musicians, Strings has become a focal point for the island’s live music scene. The programme will also feature contributions from Platform One, the local music college where Wet Leg’s Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers first met, and include live performances from Coach Party and The Pill.
“I’ve never broadcast from the Isle of Wight before, so I’m delighted that we’re heading to Strings,” Lamacq says. “It’s an important time to wave the flag for independent venues everywhere because they really are the foundation on what a lot of British music is built on.”
Following the opening broadcast, Stephens will continue the station’s focus across his Tuesday to Thursday shows, and is scheduled to speak to Independent Venue Week’s Scottish ambassadors, folk-punk band Brògeal, and various BBC Introducing presenters, who will give audio tours of their local venues.
Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music, explains: “Over the course of our long-standing, annual reflection of Independent Venue Week, we’ve broadcast live from cherished spaces all over the UK. We’ll champion the work of artists and venues from across the country, as we continue our commitment to telling their stories.”
Sybil Bell, Founder of Independent Venue Week, acknowledges the platform provided by the station. “The support of BBC Radio 6 Music is massively important to Independent Venue Week and our entire community,” Bell says. “It’s just brilliant that Huw, Steve and the team will continue highlighting and celebrating the importance of independent venues in villages, towns and cities.”
All programmes will be available on BBC Sounds for 30 days after broadcast.
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