Key Highlights
- Independent Venue Week celebrates the importance of small live music venues across the West Midlands.
- Despite financial struggles, many venues are thriving by hosting events and supporting local talent.
- Live music continues to be a vital part of the community in cities like Coventry and Stoke-on-Trent.
- Venues are not just about profit but play a crucial role as community hubs for aspiring artists.
The Heartbeat of Live Music: A Week Celebrated
Independent Venue Week (IVW) is here, shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the live music scene. In cities like Coventry and Stoke-on-Trent, venues are not just places to listen to gigs; they’re community hubs fostering young talent and supporting local artists.
The Struggle for Survival
But it’s no walk in the park. Marcin Zachara, general manager of the Jam Factory in Hereford, sums up the struggle: “Grassroots music is not for the money.” For many venues, hosting free gigs and running programmes to support young artists are more important than profit margins. The numbers back this up; a Music Venue Trust report shows that over half of small live music venues failed to make a profit in 2024.
A Growing Audience
Yet, there’s a silver lining. Despite the financial challenges, attendance is on the rise. In 2025, 21 million fans attended grassroots gigs, up by 13% from the previous year. This growth indicates that audiences are still flocking to live music events.
The Jam Factory and The Tin
For example, The Tin in Coventry has had one of its busiest years. Jess Harper, marketing manager, explains: “We’ve seen crowds growing and have hosted some of our busiest events.” This success is a testament to the hard work put in by venues like these.
Dive into the Community
Similarly, Dive in Wolverhampton has fostered a tight-knit community. Gareth Davies, promotion and marketing manager, says: “We look after each other, and it’s important to help support one another.” This sentiment is echoed by venues across the region, proving that live music isn’t just about profit but also about building connections within communities.
Independent Venue Week is not just a celebration; it’s a reminder of how vital these small venues are for nurturing talent and keeping local scenes alive. As Scott Evans from Artisan Tap puts it: “We try to run the Jam Factory as a business that allows us to support the grassroots music scene.”
In a world where streaming is king, live venues remain essential.
They offer something irreplaceable: the energy of a crowd and the raw emotion of live performance. And for now, that’s worth fighting for.
