The IVW team was once again ready and raring to jump back on the #IVW25 roller coaster for Day Two of Independent Venue Week 2025.
Spreading themselves across the country for another day of sensational events at independent venues, the IVW team began their evening at The Rat and Pigeon in Manchester for their weekly showcase night, ‘Spread Your Love’. Tucked in an alleyway in the city’s centre, the venue boasts three floors with two bars, various snugs, and a music venue. With an inside that keeps unfolding around every corner, it goes to show that not every independent venue is always small. As audience members piled into the venue’s intimate gigging space, we waited excitedly for the first artist’s performance: Maggie Challinor. Theatre kid turned musician, Challinor’s hauntingly beautiful vocals sent everyone into a daze. This was followed by Sinead Una, who blew us away with her folk-infused melodies and seamless harmonising with her accompanying violinist. The night reached its climax with a headline set from Hull-born Yasmin Coe and her exceptionally talented band playing a stripped back show for a sold-out crowd. Coe treated us to a track-by-track performance of her latest EP, entitled The Most I Could Do, as well as a couple of golden oldies for early fans of her work. Coe delivered an unforgettably spellbinding set last night, and we’re certain that the evening will stay with everyone who attended for a very long time.
Elsewhere around the country, the incredible gigs didn’t stop; one of the newest additions to our independent venue roster, the Moth Club in North London, showcased performances from lots of hands, Vera, and KITTY last night. Hailing from Newcastle, but based in Leeds, the indie-punk outfit took the venue by storm after two brilliant sets from the support bands. However, the highlight of the evening was supporting artist KITTY’s trombone arrangements, offering a sound completely contrasting to the abrasive nature of the headliners, lots of hands. All-in-all, last night was extremely fruitful for the Hackney-based music venue.
Polaroid from our rep Viki from The Forum in Darlington
Over in Darlington, at The Forum Music Centre, punk giants Dossers delivered an unapologetically abrasive set to an anticipatory crowd. Not only is The Forum a music venue for the best new artists wanting to showcase their sounds, the venue is also a recording and rehearsal space, providing upcoming songwriters with incredible opportunities to develop their creativity. Native to the North East, Dossers definitely did their region proud last night as they headlined the venue alongside Ceiling Demons and Analogue Blood.
Our final stop for the evening was the renowned Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, as the American singer-songwriter Ryley Walker graced us with glistening vocals and Simon and Garfunkel-esque guitar melodies. Built in the 1920s, the venue is a favourite among emerging artists, as many aspire to play and even sell-out the building at least once in their career. Its rich heritage, as a socialist members cooperative club, makes it a hotspot in the small West Yorkshire town for activists, campaigners and music lovers alike. Walker’s enchanting set on Tuesday evening embodied everything the Trades Club stands for: community, creativity, and shared passion. We’re certain that those who were fortunate enough to witness his performance will agree that it was the perfect end to another fantastic Independent Venue Week day.
If you’re hungry for more #IVW25 news, check out some of the other coverage we received yesterday in the links below, and don’t forget to follow us on social media.
https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/independent-venue-week-live-music/
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/your-complete-guide-to-independent-venue-week/