Skiddle team up with ‘genius’ poet to pay homage to independent venues
Independent venues get a heartfelt salute, as we team up with 'genius' poet Mike Garry to celebrate their vital role in supporting artists and live music during IVW 2026.
Date published: 29th Jan 2026
It’s Independent Venue Week in the UK, running from Monday 26th January to Sunday 1st February 2026. To mark this annual celebration of independently owned music and arts venues - and the passionate folk who ensure the doors stay open and the music keeps playing - we’ve teamed up with one of Manchester’s finest wordsmiths to write a heartfelt love letter to these hallowed spaces.
Introducing Mike Garry, the man behind the voice and exquisitely crafted words in our dedicated Independent Venue Week social media feature (see below). For those who’ve never heard or read any of Mike’s work, he’s the globetrotting verbivore who’s loved universally by northerners, widely recognised for his work championing the people of his home city.
A published and esteemed name in the UK poetry scene, once referred to as a ‘genius’ by iconic designer Peter Saville - best known for his record sleeve design work for Factory Records, especially that of Joy Division and New Order - he’s frequently spotted performing at festivals and events across the world. He’s embarked on tours with the poet laureate of punk, John Cooper Clarke, and even held the title of Poet in Residence at the consistently sold-out Kendal Calling Festival.
Given his chops and previous experience, we knew he was absolutely the right man for the job. Turning his hand and enviable skill to adequately pay homage to our beloved independent UK venues, Garry’s words perfectly outline the important role these formative hubs play in our culture - providing vital platforms for emerging talents to hone their craft while offering a space where people can become inspired and connect, under shimmering lights upon sticky dancefloors.
Eager to play your part in supporting live music and independent venues? Check out our dedicated Independent Venue Week guide to find events taking place in a venue near you, or find more Independent Venue Week events listed on Skiddle here.
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Image credit: Joseph Lee / Unsplash.com