Gig spaces from across the UK have spoken to NME about taking part in Independent Venue Week 2026, discussing the challenges they face, the secret to their survival, and why music fans should get out and support their local scene.
Kicking off today (Monday January 26), IVW returns with over 236 independent venues putting on over 700 gigs across the UK to celebrate and spotlight the people and places that make music possible and feed into the talent pipeline.
IVW comes just after the Music Venue Trust that over half of UK grassroots venues made no profit in 2025, with 6,000 jobs lost. While taking a proactive approach to funding grassroots touring, the MVT also demanded action from the government on business rates and tackling noise complaints, while also calling on the industry to pay into the levy from all gigs at arena level and above.
This week, with events including exclusive gigs from IVW’s 2026 artist ambassadors Nova Twins (for England), Brògeal (for Scotland) and Eve Goodman (for Wales), is all about reminding music fans why these venues need to be treasured and protected.
“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,” said Sybil Bell, CEO & Founder, Independent Venue Week. “I’m really excited by the sheer range and diversity of shows on offer, and this year looks set to deliver some magical moments creating lasting memories for the future. I think that’s a very clear sign that venues want the opportunity to enjoy a positive and celebratory week that shines a light on the brilliant work they do year-round.”
She added: “With over 700 shows on sale all around the country, IVW allows artists and the public alike to come together and recognise what these spaces mean to them – supporting local creative businesses whilst kicking off 2026 with some epic live music.”
To spotlight the UK’s unbeatable gig spaces, NME caught up with six regional spots taking part in Independent Venue Week, asking them about big challenges, how to tackle them, and what makes these places so special
Tanya Falconer, The Lab, Northampton
IVW shows include: Hot Face, Canned Pineapple, Litesleeper, Canyons and All Day Racket event headlined by Shtëpi
NME: What’s been the biggest challenge of the last year and how have you been tackling it?
Falconer: “The biggest challenge has been the rising cost of keeping the lights on while making sure the space stays open to everyone. We’ve answered it by leaning into community: to our artists, promoters and audiences all pulling together and by focusing on nights that feel warm, welcoming and meaningful. The energy in the room reminds us that grassroots music is about sharing something real, and we’re committed to nurturing that spirit and doing all it takes.”
What’s the best thing about your venue and why should people come along?
“The best thing about our venue is its people and its history. The Lab is a friendly, community run space rooted deep in Northampton’s creative life, from grassroots gigs to the Alan Moore led Arts Lab writers and poets group. People come to tap into that energy, where local voices meet national and international artists, and everyone is welcome.”
What would your advice be to other struggling venues?
“Don’t go it alone. Join your local venues alliance and lean on the community. The shared wisdom and support can guide you through the tough times.”
Joe Columbi – Just Dropped In, Coventry
IVW shows include: Gwenifer Raymond, Naima Bock, She Drew The Gun and Sky Valley Mistress
What’s been the biggest challenge of the last year and how have you been tackling it?
Columbi: “Messaging and getting the word out is always a challenge, social media algorithms are unpredictable, but we are getting better at engaging our regulars and getting the word out – with newsletters, flyers, etc.”
What’s the best thing about your venue and why should people come along?
“An important thing for us has always been to try and put on shows that may not happen in the city if we don’t host them. We try to champion artists we really believe in, that our customers would want to come out and see. Also, we’re a record store, so not only can you pick up a record from the merch stand, you can also pick up the latest release from the shelf at the same time!”
What would your advice be to other struggling venues?
“I think the pandemic caused a shift in behaviours from many people, Friday night comes around and it seems so easy to get cozy in pyjamas and watch something on Netflix, but there is still a whole world of amazing live music out there. I think creating a comfortable and safe space that can be enjoyed by everyone helps to build a community and make people want to come out and make the journey.”
Simon Bentley, The Wight Bear, Southbourne/Bournemouth
IVW shows include: Elanor Moss, a DJ set from Metronomy’s Olugbenga, and a screening of Human Traffic
What’s been the biggest challenge of the last year and how have you been tackling it?
Bentley: “Avoiding the negative narrative and what’s outside of our control. Accept what you can’t control and just focus on what you can control. If you deliver a programme that breathes positively and communicates directly with your audience, then people actually really do want to come out.”
What’s the best thing about your venue and why should people come along?
“Its intimacy. You really are up close. We are squeezing in 50 people at capacity, with the artist on the floor (and a nice rug). It’s true artist and audience engagement…”
What would your advice be to other struggling venues?
“Struggle creates progress. So engage fully with your local audience, use your space completely and think outside the box. Don’t do things because that’s how you’ve always done it.”
Jordan Kean – Ku, Stockton
IVW shows include: Red Rum Club, EEVAH
What’s been the biggest challenge of the last year and how have you been tackling it?
Kean: “Getting people to take a chance on going to see new acts is harder than ever but people ultimately just don’t have as much money to spend. We’ve always had variety in our events, but we find ourselves hosting a much wider range of shows than ever before and opening ourselves up to new crowds. Our younger audience in particular gives us a lot of hope for the future; it’s clear to see that there’s a lot of young people out there who are really invested in live music and they’ll be the ones keeping music venues open in the years to come.”
What’s the best thing about your venue and why should people come along?
“The people for sure – we’ve met so many amazing people over the years whether it’s from performing or working at the venue or just coming to a gig and you find yourself running into them all the time no matter where you go. It’s one of my favourite things about the music community.
“Otherwise, we’d have to say the alleyway into the live room is something we’re really proud of – the walls are covered with old setlists and posters of some of the biggest and most unforgettable names the venue has hosted over the years (Arctic Monkeys, Wolf Alice, The Enemy, The 1975, Circa Waves, and more!). It blows your mind a bit remembering that they all played here at some point. It’s an amazing reminder of the rich history the place has of platforming up-and-coming bands and lets gig-goers know they’re in for a great gig. Red Rum Club are actually one of the bands featured on the wall and they’re returning to the venue for IVW this year which has got us all really excited!”
What would your advice be to other struggling venues?
“There are some great people out there willing to help. From bigger things like collaborating on events to the small stuff like borrowing equipment or just day-to-day advice, we’d be a lot worse off without some of the people at the other local venues.
“There’s also the Music Venue Trust which is run by some really great people and can be a lifeline for music venues when times are hard.”
Ben Richardson, Independent, Sunderland
IVW shows include: Red Rum Club, Tom A. Smith, The Last Time
What’s been the biggest challenge of the last year and how have you been tackling it?
Richardson: “The biggest challenge we’ve faced over the past year or so is the ever changing social habits, especially in young people. We’ve seen the frequency that people are going out reduced massively and the spend-per-head also down. We’ve been trying to combat with a more varied approach to programming including themed events, daytime clubbing, more seated showcase shows during the week etc.”
What’s the best thing about your venue and why should people come along?
“Independent is celebrating its 20th birthday this year and that’s something we’re massively proud of, being a long standing force for good in Sunderland. We’ve got community spirit at heart, always trying to be as welcoming as possible, for example, we host regular social nights for local bands and industry.”
What would your advice be to other struggling venues?
“Joining the Music Venue Trust, reading their advice and attending their events would be the first and most important piece of advice, they’re amazing and the most supportive people ever. On top of that, working closely with venues in your region and similar venues in other cities to support each other with ideas, sounding boards etc is really helpful as well as making sure you’re constantly talking to local bands and artists.”
Robbie Griffin, Kazimier Garden + Kazimier Stockroom, Liverpool
IVW shows include: Fire Exit and Emilie Culshaw
What’s been the biggest challenge of the last year and how have you been tackling it?
Griffin: “It is not possible to identify one singular challenge as the biggest in this industry. Challenges swirl around continuously and build with intensity before creating new off-shoots to add to the mix. What is more straightforward is to identify a few key sources in terms of where these challenges arise from. One example in the context of Liverpool and elsewhere in the UK is national regeneration strategy, which has been belligerent to grassroots venues including our own. We are constantly fighting for our right to exist in a David vs. Goliath scenario against property developers.”
What’s the best thing about your venue and why should people come along?
“It is a rare bastion of hope for Liverpool’s creative scene and more marginalised groups in our society. Everyone is welcomed here with open arms. It is a vitally important space in Liverpool’s social and cultural life which is becoming increasingly homogenised by a small number of entertainment monopolies.”
What would your advice be to other struggling venues?
“Group together. Form connections, share problems, share advice, share solutions. It is easier to pick off grassroots venues one by one, but as a survival strategy it would be beneficial to present as a united front in the face of obscurity.”
Independent Venue Week runs from today until Sunday February 1. You can find all the details about events and participating venues on the IVW website.