Before you go out and support your local venue between Monday 23rd and Sunday 29th January, check out our top picks of the artists playing shows near you.

Last updated: 20th Jan 2017

Originally published: 18th Jan 2017

Image: The Cookie

Independent Venue Week is fighting the corner of the places that provide a stage for thousands of acts across the country, either looking for their big break or cementing blossoming careers. 

Without support from musicians, promoters and most importantly, fans, they cease to survive. It's no secret that venues up and down the country are being forced to shut, and the damage this is causing to the music scene won't truly be noticed until it is too late.

That's one of the reasons why Skiddle have chosen to sponsor IVW between Monday 23rd and Sunday 29th January, because fans deserve to be able to visit their favourite places and see their favourite artists. Ahead of the event we have selected five choice venues that have some simply unmissable shows.

The Soundhouse

Where? Leicester

Founded 2010

Notable past performers The Moons, Twisted Wheel, Dodgy

Who should I check out at IVW?

Skinny Girl Diet, Wednesday 25th January. The Powerpuff girls of punk rock having been making a racket for some years now, culminating in debut release Heavy Flow which dropped last year. Check out Skinny Girl Diet: punk and politics for more. 

The Lids, Saturday 28th January. This local three-piece have got indie gems coming out of their ears. Having made their name at showcase shows in their home city, IVW will give them the perfect chance to further showcase their riotous riffs and echoing choruses.

Soup Kitchen 

Where? Manchester

Founded 2010

Notable past performers Bipolar Sunshine, Circa Waves, Peace

Who should I check out at IVW?

Horsebeach, Sunday 29th January. On the bill across a host of Tim Peaks Diner curated shows, Horsebeach have two full length releases and a forthcoming March release to dip into as they perform in their home city. Find more like this via Inspire Me: Tim Peaks & Independent Venue Week Present... 

Young War, Wednesday 25th January.  Another local outfit, Young War are a two piece whose rock'n'soul is a treat to listen to and has seen them feature on BBC Introducing Manchester. They appear here as part of a wider IVW Manchester show case.

La Belle Angele

Where? Edinburgh

Founded 1992

Notable past performers Oasis, The Libertines, Radiohead

Who should I check out at IVW? 

Admiral Fallow, Tuesday 24th January. The nu folk five piece are led by the iconic Louis Abbott and in 2017, celebrate their tenth anniversary. In that time, they have supported the likes of Futureheads and Paolo Nutini, whilst gaining a loyal following in their native Scotland. 

Heel, Saturday 28th January. An unrelenting force of alt rock power, Heel dropped debut record The Parts We Save last year following exposure from Scuzz TV and Kerrang. In intimate surroundings, this group are sure to make the sweat drip from the walls.

Nambucca

Where? London

Reopened in 2014

Notable past performers Laura Marling, Frank Turner, Florence and the Machine

Who should I check out at IVW?

Bronte, Monday 23rd January. Emotive vocals and huge, echoing melodies make this indie pop trio a must watch. Debut single 'Hands' has more than a whiff of The 1975 about it with sparkling fretwork taking centre stage alongside with heartfelt lyrics.

Reckless Jacks, Wednesday 25th January. The four piece from London have been hard at work to produce their debut EP and have single 'Alone' penned in for a mid February release, citing Kasabian, Tom Petty and Led Zeppelin as big influences.

The Zanzibar

Where? Liverpool

Founded 1996

Who should I check out at IVW?

The Bohos, Friday 27th January. With a tidal wave of sparkling psych melodies dripping off their music, the scouse outfit will have no trouble in filling venues up and down the country with sparkling reverb and pop star charm.

The Tea Street Band, Saturday 28th January. A throwback to a time where E culture merged with rock'n'roll, it's no surprise that this group have played shows with The Charlatans and Inspiral Carpets with their four to the floor, guitar chiming anthems.

Couldn't find what you were looking for? Check out Inspire Me for heaps of Independent Venue Week related content and more.