Frank Turner supports second Independent Venue Week

Following a promising debut earlier this year, Independent Venue Week (IVW) will return in 2015 with five times as many venues all over the UK taking part.

Frank Turner (pictured) has stepped into the ambassador role, taking over from Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood.

Supported by public funding from Arts Council England, Independent Venue Week is a seven-day-long series of gigs running from January 26th – February 1st 2015.

At least 85 venues will offer shows on each night, some of which are being curated by a growing number of industry partners, such as BBC Introducing, Xfm, Rough Trade, Domino, Boiler Room and Fierce Panda.

Turner will also headline two special shows for IVW, one of which will be at 93 Feet East on Brick Lane, London, where he played his first ever gig.

Other artists due to take part include Seth Lakeman, The Subways, The Blockheads and Frankie & The Heartstrings, with more to be announced.

“For us to grow fivefold in just one year is amazing and shows just how strongly people feel, from all across the industry, about these venues and the role they play both to breaking and touring artists and to local fans all around the country,” said IVW co-founder Sybil Bell. “It’s great to be back again promoting a nationwide, week long program of gigs with such a strong list of venues, artists and partners. We’re excited to help make January a really great time for music fans to go to their local venue and see some great live music and hope they continue to support their venues throughout the year.”

Further support from the music industry has come, once again, from PRS for Music, UK Music and The Musicians Union. Speaking on behalf of PRS, head of marketing Paul Sims said: “We’re delighted to be backing Independent Venue Week for a second year. These venues are the lifeblood of the live music scene and our many members who perform there. Up and down the country night after night, they provide a crucial platform to new and breaking acts to hone their stagecraft and to try out the songs they have written in front of an audience of live music fans.”

Details of all participating venues can be found at independentvenueweek.com.

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