Gigs planned to celebrate independent venues

A former grain store, a church and a swimming pool are among hundreds of independent music and arts spaces coming together to celebrate the role they play in communities.

Seventeen organisations in the East of England are taking part in Independent Venue Week, with live gigs and special events planned across the UK from Monday, 26 January.

Acts taking to the stage include Will Varley and The Dunwells, who will play Hot Box Live in Chelmsford, Essex, and Hot Wax at The Waterfront in Norwich.

Many small music venues have been struggling to make a profit, and the campaign's founder Sybil Bell said it was "really important we preserve and celebrate these spaces".

"The venues we have are really just so passionate about making sure they put on shows throughout the year," she said.

"Certainly in the East of England, there aren't tens and tens of venues, so the ones we do have, we have to support. They are all different but are championing the same cause."

Bedford Esquires, which has hosted artists such as Coldplay and Lizzo since it opened in 1990, is set to host a range of events.

Acts will also take to the stage at The Pioneer Club in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where rock band The Zombies played their first rehearsal in 1961.

The pandemic left Chelmsford's Hot Box Live in £80,000 of debt, and fundraising events were held to raise funds for the venue, including one hosted by DJ Fatboy Slim.

Acts will also play at The Waterfront in Norwich, which once hosted the likes of Suffolk-born Ed Sheeran, and Norwich Arts Centre, where Oasis performed months before the release of their debut album Definitely Maybe.

Some of the venues set to see new upcoming artists have been transformed during their history, including The Baths in Ipswich, where boards were placed over the swimming pool in the 60s and 70s for acts to perform on.

The venue hosted the likes of Led Zeppelin and Rod Stewart.

Named after longest serving original BBC Radio 1 DJ, John Peel, the John Peel Centre in Stowmarket is taking part in the week of celebrations.

Bell said of Ipswich: "Until a few years ago, it had nothing. They have The Smokehouse, they have The Baths and they have The Church.

"I think it's testament to people in the area really caring, wanting to make sure that there are spaces, to make sure these spaces do exist."

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