Independent Venue Week (29th Jan – 4th Feb 2024) is the UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music and arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them.
Over 200 independent venues across the UK take part in the annual celebration and we're proud to be one of them, alongside the best indie venues Scotland has to offer.
Whatever your tastes or preferences, there is something for every one at independent venues. The same can be said for Independent Venue Week…
We have four distinct events as part of this year's line-up starting with the first AMPLIFI of 2024 featuring Belly Rachel, Maya's Radio Orchestra and Ria Andrews on Wednesday 31st January. This series showcasing the music of Modern Scotland, in partnership with We Are Here Scotland and curated by Arusa Qureshi and Halina Rifai goes from strength to strength. Now in season three, alumni include Bemz (in his first Edinburgh gig), Queen of Harps, Bee Asha, Brownbear and many more. Expect powerful vocals, classical instrumentation, pithy, emotional lyrics and intimacy from this all female line-up. Read more and book tickets by clicking here.
Next we have the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (in their 50th Anniversary year) performing Berlioz, Mozart and Ravel with François Leleux and Carolyn Sampson in a matinee concert on Thursday 1st February. François Leleux is one of the most passionate musicians performing today and his much-loved concerts leading the SCO are sophisticated, intensve and gloriously exuberant. He is joined by celebrated British soprano Carolyn Sampson in a concert supported by the Institut Français Ecosse. Read more and book tickets here.
On Friday 2nd February we welcome "three of the finest folk violinists anywhere" (The Washington Post) in the Celtic Fiddle Festival. Showcasing their talent and regional repertoires in solo performances before joining to play together are Kevin Burke (Ireland), Yuna Léon (Brittany) and Capercaillie's own Charlie McKerron (Scotland). Acclaimed guitarist Nicolas Quemener (Brittany) completes the ensemble. These traditional masters will dazzle, and sold-out tours and standing ovations across the world demonstrate why they are one of the most popular groups on the Celtic circuit. Read more and book tickets here.
Last but not least is a wonderful family affair with a Fundraising Concert for MND Scotland featuring the Butler family on Sunday 4th February. Expect an evening of heartfelt music for a very worthwhile cause, from six family members - all professional touring musicans - who have racked up over 40 albums between them. Singer-songwriter Rory Butler, former Lies Damned Lies lead singer Steven Butler, and musician and songwriter Suzanne Butler will be joined by other family members to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Scotland charity after their mother was recently diagnosed with the illness. Read more and book tickets here.
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, an IVW partner and funder of AMPLIFI says, “Independent Venue Week has a vital role to play as Scotland’s live music sector builds back after the pandemic. A seven-day celebration of the unrivalled power of live performance, IVW24 strengthens the unique bond that exists between music fans and their local venues. This brilliant series of nightly gigs reconnects audiences with their favourite spaces while also giving a boost of confidence to first-timers and those who need special support to dive into the live scene.”
As an independent venue we are delighted to be part of this annual celebration with our counterparts across the UK. In increasingly difficult times for grassroots venues, with many continuing to close, it's important to shout about the work we do and the benefit that arts and culture can have on well-being, as well as the opportunities afforded to artists and supporting staff.
We appreciate all our audiences who come to shows throughout the year. We hope you can join us for a concert during Independent Venue Week; whether it's your first or fiftieth time here you'll be very welcome!
(Sybil Bell, IVW Founder and CEO)“Whilst we pride ourselves on Independent Venue Week being a positive and celebratory week, 2023 saw some of the country’s most loved venues closing, including Moles in Bath, a venue I’ve previously owned. We ask everyone to get out to shows, support these vital and independently-owned local businesses so they can continue to bring the best music and culture to your local communities.”
