Independent Venue Week (IVW) is a seven-day celebration of small music venues around the UK, and the Musicians’ Union (MU) is proud to be involved once again.
IVW has become a much-loved part of the musical calendar, giving emerging bands the chance to play live. Supported by Arts Council England, Independent Venue Week brings together artists, promoters, labels, opinion leaders and the media. Last year’s event saw venues across the country play host to a hefty 981 artists, who in turn played in front of 38,231 gig goers. IVW acknowledges and celebrates the people that own, run and work in these important venues, week in week out.
MU officials will be visiting venues, talking to musicians about the Union and providing bespoke advice to MU members over the course of IVW. For more information, to book a visit or talk to your MU team anytime, get in touch with your Regional Office.
Dave Webster, MU National Organiser for Live Performance, said:
“IVW is a brilliant way to celebrate the UK’s incredible live music scene, and show that our grassroots and independent music sector remains as important as ever, despite the many challenges grassroots venues are currently facing. We’re really proud to be supporting IVW again, especially as many of our Fair Play Venues will be hosting gigs over the week, showing that there are not only plenty of places for emerging artists to play and develop their craft, but they are treated fairly and and respectfully by the venues too ”
Are you an IVW venue? Get in touch to find out more about our Fair Play Venues scheme.
Find out more about IVW gigs and events near you via Independent Venue Week.