I would imagine that if you are reading this then you have been to a gig.

Maybe you have been to lots of gigs and all the bands you have seen over the years all started somewhere.

Independent Venue Week is to help to promote the places that all the bands we love to watch need to play.

It all started in 2014 when 17 venues participated hosting 69 artists.

This year 274 venues have signed up to host gigs and events between the 28th of January and the 3rd of February.

Some bands will only ever play small venues maybe just to close family and friends but I will guarantee the biggest band you have ever seen would have started off playing in the kind of venues that are participating in this years event.

Imagine watching The Arctic Monkeys in a local pub in Sheffield. Well there are plenty of folk around Sheffield who are proud to say they did.

Without the independent venue bands don't have a space to hone their craft. Playing in front of a hundred or so people is a world away from playing in a rehearsal room. It's where A&R men come to check out the next big thing. It's where you can go with your mates to see a band for a few quid and discover a gem. It's where it all starts.

There are 34 venues in London alone and the length and breadth of the country there are bands playing over the week at independent venues.

If you would like to check out venues that are participating click the link to the events website below.

https://www.independentvenueweek.com/official-venues/

If you attend one or more gigs during the week please add them to the site and give the bands you saw a review.

Just remember that there will be more than one based on at a venue each night so you need enter the stage times of the band you have seen.