BBC Radio 6 Music has announced a dedicated week of programming to mark Independent Venue Week (IVW) 2026, the UK’s annual celebration of the independent music ecosystem. From Monday 26th to Thursday 29th January, legendary broadcasters Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens will take to the airwaves to champion the grassroots venues and the people who keep them running amidst the ongoing challenges of the industry.
Live from the Isle of Wight
The festivities kick off on Monday, January 26th, with a special co-hosted broadcast of the Teatime Session live from Strings in Newport, Isle of Wight. Since opening in 2017, the 300-capacity venue has become a cornerstone of the island’s music scene.
During the show, Lamacq and Stephens will delve into the island’s rich musical heritage—from the iconic 1970s festivals to the modern-day success of Wet Leg, who formed at the island’s Platform One music college. The broadcast will feature live performances from two of the island's hottest contemporary exports: rock four-piece Coach Party and punk duo The Pill.
Championing the Foundations of British Music
"Independent venues are the foundation on what a lot of British music is built on," says Steve Lamacq. "Especially during these financially challenging times, they deserve all the support they get."
Following the Monday launch, Huw Stephens will continue the celebration through Thursday. His shows will feature a deep dive into the state of the live industry in 2026, including interviews with IVW’s Scottish Ambassadors, the folk-punk band Brògeal. Listeners can also expect an "audio tour" of independent venues across the UK, led by BBC Introducing presenters, alongside a comprehensive IVW gig guide.
Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music, emphasized the station's commitment to telling these stories, noting that the partnership highlights the "cherished spaces" crucial to emerging artists. Sybil Bell, Founder of Independent Venue Week, added that the station's support is "massively important" to the entire independent live music ecosystem.
All Independent Venue Week programmes will be available to stream on BBC Sounds for 30 days following their broadcast.
