Independent Venues Week is so important, so we can celebrate and support grassroots venues. In honour of the occasion, here are some of my favourite independent venues! Click on the titles to visit their website and keep doing your best to support your local venues and keep music alive.
The Deaf Institute building dates back to 1878 and is now re-purposed as an amazing venue for intimate gigs. The small room upstairs houses electrifying gigs for small audiences, only housing about 250 people. It is 'tucked away' on Oxford Street and is difficult to see unless you're looking for it. Some of my favourite gigs have been in The Deaf Institute, it really makes you feel like the artist is playing to YOU.
Opened in 2020, Quarry is a community-owned music venue and recording studio comfortably living on Love Lane in Liverpool. Their mission is to re-introduce a more diverse line up of music to Liverpool after the closure of many grassroots venues. Quarry also hosts lectures, workshops and so much more. They were recently threatened by closure themselves but the wonderful music community of Liverpool has helped to save this amazing venue. I have yet to visit Quarry and look forward to the day I can see it all for myself. It fits 50 seated places and 120 standing.
Hangar 34 is a multi-purpose event space that hosts gigs, exhibitions, nightlife and private events. With a video wall and an excellent sound system, Hangar 34 is perfect for live music. Placed neatly in the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool, it perfectly matches its surroundings. I have been here for a few gigs recently and I really enjoy this venue, especially because the toilets are at the front of the stage. About 750 people fill this venue and I'm always happy to see my faves playing here.
Fun fact: this venue is actually where I went to see my first gig on my own (it was The Electric Swing Circus). After a recent re-funding and re-building, Band On The Wall is as strong as ever and continues to deliver high-quality live performances from some big music names, and can hold around 520 people. Another venue committed to improving its diversity and cultural outreach, this community-driven venue is renowned for its jazz, folk and blues but has also been recognised for its contribution to the punk scene.
Possibly my most attended venue to date, Manchester Academy 1 is part of the group of academy venues, there are 4 total. Originally a school from 1900 to 2003, Manchester Academy received a refurbishment in 2008 that would transform it into the perfect live music venue. It is a standalone building unlike its 3 counterparts and has been recognised as an incredibly green venue, doing its bit to help the planet. The venue fits 2600 people and has been re-built to do so. I love this venue so much and have always enjoyed gigs here, despite how long it takes me to walk from the train station. I also accidentally queued for the wrong academy once, oopsies.
I can't believe I only discovered this venue last year because I've fallen completely head over heel with it. Serving scrumptious food with veggie and vegan options, I've heard that their pizzas are to die for. Outpost is the place to be for punk and metal, hosting local bands in their intimate live space holding about 90 people. Their bar is brilliant, full of craft beer and the staff are always so friendly. I absolutely want to regular here more.
This venue is the definition of cosy. Night & Day Cafe recently won back the right to play live music after receiving noise complaints from neighbours and thank goodness they did because I don't know what I'd do without this space. Even when there aren't any live gigs, this bar is an excellent place to be for a drink. The music when there isn't a gig on is always perfect and again, the staff are always wonderful and chatty. I've seen some of my favourite gigs here and I'm constantly checking their line up as an excuse just to go back.
Support local music, see shows, buy booze, don't be a dick.
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