INDEPENDENT Venues Week has announced the first slew of details ahead of its return early next year.
Each January, independent venues across the country mark the event with live gigs and events aimed at giving a much needed boost to both venues and artists.
Nova Twins have been announced as 2026’s Artist Ambassadors, hot on the heels of the duo’s major UK tour and third album, Parasites & Butterflied.
They follow the likes of Yolanda Brown OBE DL, English Teacher, Wet Leg, beabadoobee, Arlo Parks, Wolf Alice, Colin Greenwood, and Adrian Utley.
Arts Council England, PPL, and Beavertown have also confirmed their support for the event, and nearly 150 venues around the country have already signed up.
IVW is still open for venues who wish to take part, however–
Established in 2013, Independent Venue Week has become an important and celebratory event in the UK music calendar, encouraging fans to start the year by buying a ticket, getting together with friends to support their local venue and discovering amazing music.
Since launch, more than 1m tickets have been purchased for IVW events, which helps to fill venues at a traditionally quiet time of year, provide performance and direct fan-building opportunities for artists, and offer cultural engagement and excitement for audiences.
Sybil Bell, Founder & CEO, Independent Venue Week: “Independent Venue Week has enjoyed the support of some awesome Artist Ambassadors over the years, so we’re really honoured that Nova Twins have agreed to accept the title in 2026.
“They are a true force of nature, a genuinely innovative band, and testament to live music’s power to break down barriers, build communities and bring about positive change.
“They represent all we strive for, and I’m so happy they will join us in celebrating next year’s event.
“At a time when AI is dominating so many conversations around music, artists like Nova Twins prove that performing your own original music in independent venues and building up an authentic fanbase is all about ‘Actual Intelligence’ – based upon talent, hard work, and in-person connections.”
Claire Mera-Nelson, Director, Music, Arts Council England: “Arts Council England is proud to support the 2026 edition of Independent Venue Week.
“Independent venues provide invaluable spaces that are vital to the development of local talent as well as enabling fans to develop a passion for music and discover their new favourite artists wherever they are in the country.
“I’m already looking forward to next year’s exciting new discoveries.”
Independent Venues Week returns on Monday-Sunday, January 26-February 1.
Full details about IVW, including how venues can take part, are available via: independentvenueweek.com/uk/take-part
