Following last week’s Independent Venue Week, Patrick Clarke hears why the event has never been more important.
Artists, venues and campaigners have spoken to NME about Independent Venue Week 2022 and why it’s more important than ever to shine a spotlight on these live music spaces.
Between lockdowns, last-minute cancellations, high rents, Brexit uncertainty, and the battle for meaningful government support, the last two years have seen the UK’s grassroots music scene endure unprecedented levels of instability. As the most recent wave of coronavirus starts to recede, it’s tempting to view 2022’s Independent Venue Week as something of a victory lap for those that have endured.
“Now more than ever, it’s more and more important for small venues to be shouted about,” Julian Ive of Newcastle venue The Cluny told NME. Nevertheless, he points out, uncertainties remain. This January, he and his staff were planning for 22 gigs, but due to cancellations and postponements only seven ended up going ahead. Recently, the UK live music sector said that more than 25 per cent of gigs have already been cancelled this year...Keep reading on NME.
Artists, venues and campaigners have spoken to NME about Independent Venue Week 2022 and why it’s more important than ever to shine a spotlight on these live music spaces.
Between lockdowns, last-minute cancellations, high rents, Brexit uncertainty, and the battle for meaningful government support, the last two years have seen the UK’s grassroots music scene endure unprecedented levels of instability. As the most recent wave of coronavirus starts to recede, it’s tempting to view 2022’s Independent Venue Week as something of a victory lap for those that have endured.
“Now more than ever, it’s more and more important for small venues to be shouted about,” Julian Ive of Newcastle venue The Cluny told NME. Nevertheless, he points out, uncertainties remain. This January, he and his staff were planning for 22 gigs, but due to cancellations and postponements only seven ended up going ahead. Recently, the UK live music sector said that more than 25 per cent of gigs have already been cancelled this year...Keep reading on NME.