Burgess named ambassador for ‘biggest IVW yet’

Following in the footsteps of Wolf Alice, Frank Turner and Colin Greenwood of Radiohead, The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess has been appointed ambassador for Independent Venue Week (IVW), which returns for the fourth time from 23 to 29 January 2017.

Described as the “biggest Independent Venue Week yet”, the British event, which aims to promote and celebrate the UK’s grassroots music venues, will see 30 new venues taking part for the first time, including the John Peel Centre (250-cap.) in …, the Roundhouse (3,300-cap.) in London, the 200-capacity Bungalow in Paisley (which has since reopened after closing in March) and the 18-cap. (not a typo) … Unity in Halifax.

“Independent venues are where every band starts and where music fans get to see emerging talent,” comments Burgess (pictured). “Without them bands would not get a chance for their all-important first hometown gigs and subsequent tours. These venues and bands need our support and the best way you can do that is by having a night out. Lots of venues are closing – we definitely need to stick together and stop this happening. […]

“These venues and bands need our support and the best way you can do that is by having a night out”

“I worked with Independent Venue Week organisers last year on a gig in Manchester. It was an honour to accept their offer of being this year’s ambassador – I’ve picked some of my favourite bands to play in England, Wales and Northern Ireland… Hopefully see you at one of the shows.”

Details of gigs will be announced closer to January, with confirmed performers including Richard Hawley, Simian Mobile Disco and Martha Wainwright. Promoters and labels behind the shows include Kilimanjaro Live, Bugged Out, South by Southwest and Domino Records.

“What’s so exciting about this year is just how many people are now involved in Independent Venue Week,” says founder Sybil Bell. “The support means grassroots venues are benefitting from brilliant artists, promoters and media who are helping to start the year off with some amazing shows. Last year, nearly 40,000 people went to gigs during IVM, [providing] a huge boost to venues and a great way for people to kick the January blues into touch.”

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