Independent Venue Week 2017: Tim Burgess announced as ambassador for event's fourth year

Burgess: 'These venues and bands need our support and the best way you can do that is by having a night out'

The Charlatans (Isle of Wight)

The organisers of Independent Venue Week have announced that the event will return for a fourth year - taking place between 23 – 29 January in 2017.

Next year's IVW ambassador is The Charlatans' frontman, solo artist and author Tim Burgess, who follows the likes of Radiohead's Colin Greenwood and Frank Turner.

Burgess said: "Independent venues are where every band starts and where music fans get to see emerging talent. Without them bands would not get a chance for their all-important first hometown gigs and subsequent tours.

"These venues and bands need our support and the best way you can do that is by having a night out. Lots of venues are closing – we definitely need to stick together and stop this happening."

Burgess will perform live at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room on 23 January 2017 with support from Tear and Pheromoans.

Richard Hawley, Simian Mobile Disco and Martha Wainwright, will perform special shows, along with BBC Sound of 2017 longlist artists Cabbage and Declan McKenna.

Independent Venue Week 2017 will also feature a host of gigs with line-ups hand-picked by the likes of SXSW, Huw Stephens, Killimanjaro, Domino Records, Bugged Out, Springboard, a Karousel Music x SESAC Showcase, Trashmouth Records, Field Music & Independent Presents, Melting Vinyl and Live UK 16 Award winning promoter Juicebox Live, with more artists, venues and promoters from across the UK set to announce shows in due course.

With Arts Council England's Director Of Music Helen Sprott, stressed how the annual event has come to nourish local music scenes around Britain.

She said: "We remain committed to Independent Venue Week and to highlighting the importance of grassroots venues to local communities and emerging artists across the country. Grassroots venues are critical to the health of the music industry, an invaluable circuit for new talent, making the connection between musicians and audiences everywhere.

"We are delighted that once again, an Arts Council England Grants for the Arts award is enabling this vital work to continue."

Independent Venue Week will continue its work with Attitude is Everything, which helps to expand access for all gig goers, and works with Stay Up Late’s gig buddy scheme to link adults with learning disabilities and volunteers who have similar taste in music.

Founder Sybil Bell said: "What’s so exciting about this year is just how many people are now involved in Independent Venue Week. This support means grassroots venues are benefitting from brilliant artists, promoters and media who are helping to start the year off with some amazing shows."

Dates and ticket links will go live on the site as shows are confirmed. Additional gigs, artists and partners will be announced over the coming days and weeks.