Spotlight On: Independent Venue Week 2020

Posted on Wednesday 22nd January 2020 at 16:00

Written by
Jimi Arundell

Monday sees the return of Independent Venue Week, the vital campaign dedicated to keeping alive the small stages that play home to grassroots music and play a central role to our communities. Rises in business rates in recent years by a government that is unaware or unconcerned about the negative effects on venues has seem many permanently close their doors at a truly alarming rate, breaking a vital link for ambitious performers to grow and creating cultural black holes throughout the UK.

Championed by the likes of Ambassador Anna Calvi, Philip Selway from Radiohead and stalwart BBC 6music DJ Steve Lamacq, Independent Venue Week serves as both a reminder of the critical importance of local gigs as a way for acts to develop in front of live audiences plus put on spectacular events to get punters through the door and bring in some cash.

“As an artist who spent many years developing my art in small venues across the UK, it’s such a pleasure to be named the ambassador of Independent Venue Week 2020. At a time where independent venues continue to provide a vital platform in every artists career, yet still struggle to keep their doors open, it’s more important than ever for every artist, no matter what size, to continue our support and be vocal about their vitality.” — Anna Calvi

Gigantic is passionate about music and we salute independent venues and promoters for all their hard work in supporting their local scene and communities, providing a platform for the unknowns of today to become the superstars of tomorrow.