Independent Venue Week 2026 kicks off with over 700 shows nationwide

Across the next seven days, independent venues will come together with artists, promoters, agents, record labels and media to create a unique series of special live events across the UK – over 700 of them – to highlight the work these venues do year-round. By doing so, local communities come together and celebrate these special places with thousands of artists playing hundreds of shows in villages, towns and cities all around the UK.

With a programme stretching from John O’Groats to Falmouth, the week also aims to drive audiences to local venues during a traditionally quiet period. Since its launch in 2013, over one million tickets have been sold for IVW events and this year sees a ten percent increase in participating spaces compared to 2025.

Founder and CEO Sybil Bell links the event's growth it to a desire for communal, in-person experiences: “I think that’s a very clear sign that venues want the opportunity to enjoy a positive and celebratory week,” Bell explains. “More than ever, fans are also showing that they want to be out, in person with mates, being in the moment and not on a screen.”

The 2026 event is spearheaded by a series of exclusive shows from this year’s IVW ambassadors: rock duo Nova Twins (pictured above), Scottish folk-punks Brògeal, and Welsh singer-songwriter Eve Goodman, who recently spoke to Best Fit about how Wales is celebrating the week. Nova Twins will play the 300-cap Amersham Arms tomorrow, while Brògeal perform two shows north of the border at MacArts in Galashiels (30 January) and The Venue in Dumfries (31 January). Goodman will play an exclusive solo gig at the tiny Caffi Isa in Mold tonight, as well as shows with fellow singer-songwriter SERA at Swansea’s Swansea’s Tŷ Tawe (30 January) and Pembroke’s Cwtch Coffee (1 February).

BBC Radio 6 Music returns as a key broadcast partner, with Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens presenting a live Teatime Session from Strings in Newport on the Isle of Wight today. From Tuesday, Stephens will also guide listeners through the UK’s live music landscape with help from BBC Introducing presenters.

A new partnership with the PRS Foundation’s Early Career Promoter Fund will see five promoter grantees curate their own shows in Birmingham, Manchester, Brighton, York, and London, highlighting emerging talent alongside established names.

Beyond performances, the week will feature industry-focused events, including Lord Kevin Brennan hosting an open discussion at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach as part of his Fan-Led Review of Live Music.

The full programme features a broad spectrum of artists – from Dove Ellis, Sorry, Naima Bock, and the Buzzcocks to Dream Wife, Silver Gore, Gwenifer Raymond and Dylan LeBlanc.