Independent Venue Week is all about supporting and celebrating independent venues of all sizes, as well as their local music ecosystem including artists, promoters and fans. Venues across the regions and nations of the UK are coming together next week to do just that for #IVW25
Every year, we offer our best tips on how to support venues during the big week and beyond, to help keep our independent venue community thriving.
Buy a Ticket
Buying tickets to a show at your local venue is an obvious and simple way you can support them. And if you can, buy tickets in advance and from the venue directly. It gives them confidence for a good turnout and it helps their income streams (every penny really does count).
Support the Supports
There are literally endless examples of support artists who’ve gone on to become bigger than the headliners they opened for. Be gig smart and discover an artist early so you can be there at the start of their journey – it’s also great for the venues to be busy throughout the night
Grab a Drink
Buying a drink and bite to eat helps the venues – they rely on this income to keep going so you can have great art and culture locally. Venues also have a much wider range drinks, including low/no alcohol choices. And there’s lots of venues that open as bars/pubs even without a gig on.
Get that Merch
Artists aren’t the only ones with merch. Lots of venues have their own merch that you can sport to show your love and support. Treat yourself and represent your local venue wherever you go.
And we’ll be running the 2nd #VenueTshirtDay later this year so you can be ready for that well in advance
Share a Post
Although we’re big advocates of putting your phone away so you can be in the moment, we know that videos & photos are also important to share your night out. If you do take a picture or video remember to tag the venue as well as the artist, so they get that extra love.
Spread the word
Word of mouth is easily the best way to support your local venues. Shout about the fantastic experiences you have, leave a reviews on Trip Advisor/Google, encourage people to get out to gigs there and bring along new mates. Independent venues are home to the most amazing communities and they’re for everyone, so let’s help spread the word.
Local, independent businesses
Remember that independent venues are also local independent businesses employing local people. The best way to support them is to keep going regularly – use it or lose it.