Independent Venue Week announce plans for 2017 and Tim Burgess show

Ambassador Tim Burgess will perform at The Royal Albert Hall as part of Independent Venue Week.

Henry Lewis

Last updated: 30th Dec 2016

Image: Tim Burgess

Independent Venue Week is returning for its fourth consecutive year, with Tim Burgess acting as ambassador.

Taking place from Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th January, the project will be staged across 120 UK venues nationwide, with 30 news venues added to make it the biggest yet.

Former frontman of The Charlatans and author, Tim Burgess will fulfill a role that has been grasped by Frank Turner and Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood in years previous.

He also will perform at the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room on Monday 23rd January supported by Pheremoans and Tear - Find tickets.

Speaking ahead of the event, he said "Independent venues are where every band starts and where music fans get to see emerging talent. Without them bands would not get a chance for their all-important first hometown gigs and subsequent tours.

"These venues and bands need our support and the best way you can do that is by having a night out. Lots of venues are closing – we definitely need to stick together and stop this happening."

More gigs come from the likes of Richard Hawley, Simian Mobile Disco, Cabbage and Cass Mccombs, with SXSW, Huw Stephens and Domino Records also playing a hand in pulling gigs together.

Director of Music Helen Sprott spoke of the Arts Council England sponsored project: "We remain committed to Independent Venue Week and to highlighting the importance of grassroots venues to local communities and emerging artists across the country.

"Grassroots venues are critical to the health of the music industry, an invaluable circuit for new talent, making the connection between musicians and audiences everywhere."