INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK RETURNS IN JANUARY 2027 WITH THE K’S AS AMBASSADORS

Independent Venue Week (IVW), the UK’s long-running celebration of independent music venues and independent music culture, will return between January 25th and January 31st 2027.

The 7-night nationwide event will see independently-owned venues around the UK – both big and small – hosting hundreds of live gigs and events of every possible genre, and encourage both old and new music lovers to go for a great night out, discover amazing music and support culture across the country.

Venues wanting to take part in IVW27 have until 9th December to sign up. 170 venues have already registered to participate. Full details of all participating venues and shows will be updated regularly on the IVW website.

Meanwhile, artists looking to book shows and tours can find more information here.

Following in the footsteps of artists including Nova Twins, YolanDa Brown, English Teacher, Philip Selway and Wet Leg, IVW27’s Artist Ambassadors are The K’s.

Widely recognised as one of the UK’s most exciting young guitar bands, the Warrington four-piece have built a passionate fanbase through years of constant touring – progressing this year to headline shows at Halifax’s Piece Hall and Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl, alongside prominent festival appearances at Reading & Leeds, Truck, Tramlines, TRNSMT and the Isle Of Wight.

Following a Top 3 placing for their debut album, I Wonder If The World Knows?, its follow up, Pretty On The Internet, debuted at Number 1 on the UK charts in August 2025 – a remarkable achievement for a genuinely independent band.

The K’s will perform a special show as part of next January’s celebrations.

Confirming their their role as IVW27 Artist Ambassadors, the band said:

“As a band we feel that we owe it to the independent venues up and down the country that gave us the platform to build and become the musicians we are today. Without them it would have been pretty much impossible. It’s so important to support and protect these types of venues and their surrounding communities. They are where it started for us, and like many others, they are where we learnt our craft, gained our education and cut our teeth. Anything we can do to protect them for future generations is pivotal. This is why we are honoured to be part of (and Ambassadors for) 2027’s Independent Venue Week.”

Since launching in 2014, more than 1.2m tickets have been sold for IVW events – encouraging new audiences to experience the joy of live music, and highlighting the vital role that independent venues play in communities across the UK.

One of the most notable venue owners, known for his passion and uncompromising support for that independent music scene and local community, in a truly independent city, was Paul “Jacko” Jackson – founder, owner and operator of the New Adelphi Club in Hull, who sadly passed away in March 2026. As a mark of personal and professional respect, IVW27 will be dedicated to his memory.

Established in a terraced house in De Grey Street, the Adelphi has hosted thousands of live shows since 1984 – including early performances by the Stone Roses, Oasis, Radiohead and Pulp. The venue has participated in every Independent Venue Week since 2015 and Jacko and the venue played a key part in IVW’s On The Road documentary, released in 2021 on BBC iPlayer.

Jacko remains an inspirational figure across the UK’s music community.

Paul’s sister, Rose Jackson, said:

“Jacko would have been honoured to have IVW27 dedicated to him. He loved every minute of his working life of 41 years in the Hull Adelphi Club. He wasn’t interested in money or material possessions. He loved people and shared moments with them. His dream was to be able to come downstairs from his flat, enjoy a good pint with mates and engage with good live, original performances. Like all venues, he had struggles and hardships for little or no financial reward. But his reward was in seeing artists develop the ability to express themselves freely on stage; and in audience participation in a safe and inclusive community. This is the value of what truly ‘independent’ venues share: the absence of anything that threatens the who, what, where, when, how and why of artistic expression. Something we can all celebrate and be proud of.”

IVW can also confirm that BBC Radio 6 Music will continue their official broadcast partnership in 2027, along with BBC Introducing, as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Beavertown returns as a partner for a fifth consecutive year, while DICE joins the IVW family for the first time. More details of these partnerships will follow soon.

Joining the team this year is highly respected industry journalist and digital comms strategist, Paul Bridgewater. As Editor of The Line of Best Fit, Paul has been at the forefront of championing new and established artists from around the world, delving deep into the music and cultural scenes around the UK and beyond.

Sybil Bell, Founder & CEO, Independent Venue Week:

“I am honoured that we have Rose’s blessing to dedicate IVW27 to Jacko, an unique and wonderful friend who still means so much to so many. The spirit and community that Jacko instilled in the Adelphi remains truly inspirational. Like many other independent venue operators, he was a remarkable person who made remarkable things happen in his own backyard. We will always carry that passion and integrity in all we do and will amplify that spirit next January.”

“We are so happy to confirm The K’s as our Artist Ambassadors for IVW27. As one of the UK’s hardest working bands, they understand better than anyone the importance of independent venues to our music culture. Off the back of two phenomenally successful albums and some landmark live performances, it will be really exciting to work with them on what we hope will be a truly special show in January next year.

“The addition of Paul Bridgewater to the team this year is so exciting. His appointment comes at the perfect time as IVW explores more ways to deliver value to our venue community and those they support whilst reaching new audiences and artists.”