Independent Venue Week: great gigs and events across the country
With IVW just around the corner, check out all the amazing gigs and events across the country for the 2026 celebrations.
Last updated: 23rd Jan 2026
Originally published: 21st Jan 2026
We’re all about supporting all venues, big and small. And with next week marking the annual arrival of the Independent Venue Week 2026 (Monday 26th January - Sunday 1st February), we thought what better way to shout out some of the best venues than by highlighting some great gigs and events across the country.
Grassroots venues are the foundation of the music industry, allowing emerging artists to find their footing before getting their big break. However, while many grassroots venues thrive, some have faced challenges along the way, showing that communities need music more than ever before.
This year, we have curated a list of both up-and-coming artists and familiar names in celebration of IVW, highlighting just what it's all about. Giving attention to some of the best grassroots venues across the country, with a line of gigs and events across a good stretch of genres.
And with so many quality events happening during the course of the week, check out them out down below.
Variations presents Ni Maxine + support Some Honey
When: Wednesday 28th January 2026
Where: Hare And Hounds Kings Heath in Birmingham
The Hare and Hounds in Birmingham is a stand-up venue that hosts a range of events with some incredible artists. Located just a 20-minute drive away from the city centre, the Hare and Hounds has been a monumental live venue location, having had the likes of UB40 and The Beatles enforcing its rich musical heritage.
And this IVW, they continue their passion for hosting some great artists, as neo-soul singer Ni Maxine makes her way to perform. Presented by Variations, the award-winning Liverpool neo-jazz vocalist will be engulfing the venue with conscious lyricism and rich storytelling. Plus, with support from Some Honey, this is not one to miss.
Tickets for Variations presents Ni Maxine + support Some Honey
Cast: Album Launch Show : Matinee (14+ with an adult)
When: Saturday 31st January 2026
Where: Jacaranda Baltic in Liverpool
With demand for this one, Cast had announced a second show in which they will be gracing the Jacaranda in Liverpool with two intimate album launch shows for IVW. Set to celebrate the release of their latest album, 'YEAH YEAH YEAH', Cast will be treating fans to an hour-long set.
Known as a venue that has had some of the biggest names step into their home, Jacaranda is a Liverpool special. Their setup is dedicated to bringing music enthusiasts into one place. Plus, with the historic venue also serving as the home base and headquarters for the modern Jacaranda Records, what more could you ask for?
Tickets for Cast: Album Launch Show: Matinee (14+ with an adult)
IVW26 All-Dayer ft The Orielles, Midnight Rodeo, Man of Moon
When: Saturday 31st January 2026
Where: The Ferret in Preston
The Ferret in Preston continues to thrive after their close call to closure in 2022, which saw MVT's Own Our Venues initiative successfully raise funds, securing a long-term future by placing it under permanent protected status in 2024. From there, The Ferret has never been better, bringing artists from across the country to play live music in their unbeatable venue.
This IVW, The Ferret will be hosting an all-dayer on the Saturday with The Orielles, Midnight Rodeo, Man of Moon, and more. Running from 3 pm 'til late, experience a day filled with some of the most incredible bands, including the magnificent return of The Orielles with their new album.
Tickets for IVW26 All-Dayer ft The Orielles, Midnight Rodeo, Man of Moon
VC Pines + Woegetter + The Vandervalls [Independent Venue Week]
When: Wednesday 28th January 2026
Where: The Black Prince in Northampton
With a history that dates back to 1897, The Black Prince, in the historic city of Northampton, is a venue that continues to go strong, providing a music venue like no other. With a stage that has created some homegrown talent such as Mae Stephens, The Jazz Butcher, Billy Lockett, Alan Moore’s Emperors Of Ice Cream, Dark, and more, The Black Prince has been a crucial part of the independent music venue scene.
For this IVW, The Black Prince will be showing out as VC Pines, also known as Jack Mercer, the former frontman of The Carnabys, will be heading for an alternative soul performance. Accompanied by emerging artist, Woegetter and the Vandervalls, get your tickets now.
Tickets for VC Pines + Woegetter + The Vandervalls [Independent Venue Week]
TV Cult: Independent Venue Week
When: Tuesday 27th January 2026
Known as a huge community-spirited, multi-use space built into a disused brewery, Kanteena is located in the heart of Lancaster and boasts 5 spaces, including one quality gig space. Seen as the go-to spot for live music, Kanteena has had some talented people grace their stage, from the likes of Trevor Nelson, Tom Meighan, YOUSEF, Lowes, Massive Wagons, The Lovely Eggs, Jungle Cakes, and so many more.
And another solid act that will be heading to Kanteena to celebrate IVW is TV Cult. Coming all the way from Cologne, Germany, TV Cult will be bringing their eighties-inspired post-punk sound with crooning goth and DC hardcore. With support from homegrown talent Dull, who aim to please with their post-punk and dance music influences, these will be performances that affirm just what IVW is all about.
Tickets for TV Cult: Independent Venue Week
When: Friday 30th January 2026
Where: The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham
Actual sister duo, Jules and Josie, make up the talented yet chaotic band Disgusting Sisters. While most sisters were butting heads, these two were headbanging, bonding over their love for emo music, dyed hair, horror movies, and cult TV. And they are bringing their electronic pop-rock sound to Birmingham.
Hitting up The Sunflower Lounge, a venue that's offered the city the best of the underground in a grungy New York dive bar-inspired space since 2002, its intimate capacity and rough and ready vibe is the perfect place for IVW celebrations.
Tickets for Disgusting Sisters
When: Monday 26th January 2026
Where: The Factory Live in Worthing
Legendary American Hip-Hop trio Lord Of The Underground will be hitting up Worthing to celebrate IVW this year. First formed in the early 90s in Jersey, Lord Of The Underground took their passion for rapping and made it something special. With their rise in 1993 with the debut album 'Here Come the Lords', Lord Of The Underground's career has seen them bag the Hip Hop Hall of Fame honour, as well as thriving solo pursuits.
Coming together for their tour, which sees them bringing their generational sound to The Factory, it's a cracking start to a week-long IVW celebration.
Tickets for Lords Of The Underground
When: Thursday 29th January 2026
Where: YES in Manchester
Dream Wife is a London-based trio from Iceland who have taken the punk rock scene by storm. With their unique sound, they have fans from around the world eager to hear their energetic, genre-blurring rock. And what better venue to display such sounds than at Manchester's YES.
Seen as one of the leading independent live music venues in Manchester, YES is a popular location amongst many. With their Pink Room, as well as its lively atmosphere, it's been a staple to Manchesters thiving music scene.
Tickets for Dream Wife
TTSSFU
When: Wednesday 28th January 2026
Where: The Windmill Brixton in London
Brixton will always be known as a vibrant part of London, engulfed by music and culture. And a venue that echoes that is The Windmill. Famously known for being one of the most quality independent venues in the area, The Windmill has been the birthplace of so many incredible artists.
And for IVW 2026, The Windmill are celebrating with Wigan's own TTSSFU. Standing in their week of gigs, TTSSFU will be returning to do what she does best, giving a performance you won't want to miss.
Independent Venue Week commences Monday 26th January and runs until Sunday1st February 2026. Check out what else IVW has going on!
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