From 23rd to 29th of January, concert halls, cafes and rooms in the backs of/beneath/atop/astride pubs across the UK and Northern Ireland will be celebrating Independent Venue Week.

Think of it as Record Store Day for venues. A celebration taking place across a week, all around the land, in places where you see gigs without those big neon O2CarlingNatwestBarclays signs beaming into your eye holes. It’s a chance to check out and support your local independent venue, many of whom will be showcasing the best local talent and a few shows will have special guests popping up to show their support.

Over 140 venues with 3 bands a night = a lot of bands. In an attempt to make sense of it all, here are a few gig picks and details of how you can explore further.

Before we begin listing some highlights of a week of gigs around the UK, here’s a quick word from our sponsor…

Vauxhall Motors is supporting Independent Venue Week 2017 for the third year in a row through the Vivaro on Tour project. The Vivaro On Tour campaign, supports up-and-coming British artists by offering them free use of a Brit-built Vivaro throughout the year, as they tour throughout the country. The Vivaro on Tour campaign has saved bands over £30,000 during 2016 and has travelled over 100,000 miles since the start. Learn more and find out how your band can get free use of the Vivaro On Tour van.

7 DiS Picks of IVW17 Weekend Line-Up

There are literally hundreds of gigs taking place across the UK during Independent Venue Week, and here are just a few to whet your appetite. You'll find a full list of shows and participating venues at independentvenueweek.com.

XPOSURE ALLDAYER

One for the London Metropolitan Elite: The delightful John Kennedy is putting on a big ol’ alldayer for Independent Venue Week at London’s newest venue (owned by one of Mumford & Sons, fact fans!).

New: X-Posure Live All Dayer c/o @RadioX 28th Jan - .@springkingband / @wovokagentle / @ScarletRascal / Dead Pretties & more! pic.twitter.com/gOnLw0hCb3

— OMEARA (@OmearaLondon) November 1, 2016

JOHN PEEL CENTRE

Did you know this place existed? Maybe. Have you been? Well, now is your chance. Our editor will be there catching the incredible Girl Band making a righteous racket.

Lots of great gigs lined up for Independent Venue Week @IVW_UK #Stowmarket #Suffolk Jan 23rd-29th! Tickets & Info: https://t.co/jJszLgjNO7 pic.twitter.com/pcvbmUXigy

— John Peel Centre (@JohnPeelCentre) January 4, 2017

FRIGHTENED RABBIT IN PAISLEY

Scottish non-fiction. Probably already sold out though (sorry!).

ANNOUNCEMENT
Frightened Rabbit will perform in The Bungalow on 29th Jan for #IVW17. Tickets on Skiddle NOW: https://t.co/HZ77qvUPpD pic.twitter.com/UUSInIK99C

— The Bungalow (@BungalowPaisley) January 16, 2017

RICHARD HAWLEY IN HEBDEN BRIDGE

With support from Juanita Stein from Howling Bells (pictured above), this double-header takes place over two nights (Sat 28th and Sun 29th January) at the now legendary Trades Club, which just might be the best venue in the UK.

Meet The Artist: @RichardHawley on his plans for his #IVW17 shows at @thetradesclub & more: https://t.co/oPPvt2BTN0 pic.twitter.com/8tR7wPwfd6

— Independent Venue Wk (@IVW_UK) January 15, 2017

BRISTOL NEW MUSICGASM

Go grab yourself a cider and soak in this lot.

Independent Venue Week is back at the Louis on 28th Jan! Don't miss @tmassif @elderisland @bdyclcks + others
Tix: https://t.co/Cesz1tG23K pic.twitter.com/mfBVpqx0al

— Louisiana Bristol (@LouisianaBris) January 4, 2017

MANCHESTER NEW MUSICGASM

Go grab yourself an ale and enjoy this feast of new music.

SAT STAGE TIMES 4:30pm @TheHipshakes; 5:30pm @GIRL_SWEAT; 6:30pm @rapidrapidtan; 7:30pm @thefoetals; 8:30pm DUDS; 9:30pm @irmavepmate #IVW17 pic.twitter.com/sQdYjgvFRy

— Soup Kitchen (@SoupKitchen_Mcr) January 26, 2017

FUTURE OF THE LEFT IN CARDIFF

Hometown heroes rock the Welsh capital tonight (Friday).

27.01.17

Future Of The Left (@shit_rock)

RSVP: https://t.co/4ulsXs7NOv
Tix: https://t.co/MQDLJhQbTB pic.twitter.com/1bVrAYEsSO

— Clwb Ifor Bach (@ClwbIforBach) December 28, 2016

During Independent Venue Week DiS’ Editor (that’s me, hi!) will be going on a Vauxhall-sponsored roadtrip across the UK to visit some of the 140+ venues officially taking part in the week. On this adventure he’ll attempt to ascertain the health of nation’s touring circuit, to find out why some venues are so successful regardless of their location, and to gawp at legendary spaces whose names have become beacons of hope and excitement on the UK circuit for bands and fans alike.

You can follow his week-long trip via posts on the site and keep up to date as it happens with photos, videos and probably some 1am ‘insight’ via DiS’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information please visit Independent Venue Week’s website.

Related reading: Drowned in Sound’s IVW mini-site featuring interviews with Tim Burgess, Sam Duckworth, and lots more choice articles about touring from our archive.