THE nationwide celebration of independent music and arts venues is set to showcase Carlisle's very own The Old Fire Station. 

Independent Venue Week (IVW) will run from January 29 at the Carlisle venue, alongside 110 venues that have already signed up for the forthcoming run making up for seven days of gigs and art performances. 

Each year, IVW unites hundreds of independent venues from across the UK as a way of providing venues with a positive start to the year.

Will Morgan, managing director of Carlisle's Old Fire Station, said: "The ‘Independent Venue Week’ is an important event which focuses on supporting grass roots music venues around the UK and the acts that perform there.

"Currently, one grassroots music venue closes down every week in Britain, so this week-long event is really important to focus on the great job independent venues do and what they offer," he said. 

Gigs during IVW at the Old Fire Station: 

  • January 30  - Janey Godley
  • January 31  - Zutons
  • February 1  - Chris Difford from Squeeze
  • February 2  - Jon Amor
  • February 3  -Trevor Nelson
  • February 4  - Dead Men Walking super group

Earlier this year, the IVW published a report on its impact on the arts sector over the last 10 years, highlighting that 4,945 gigs had taken place since its inception. 

Over 1 million tickets have been sold for IVW shows since 2014.

IVW24 partners include Arts Council England, BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Music Introducing. 

BBC Radio 6 presenter and IVW ambassador, Steve Lamacq, said: “Independent Venue Week is always a great opportunity to spotlight the importance of our smaller venues.

"But this year, with hundreds of grassroots venues facing up to rent increases, rising energy costs and other cost of living pressures, I think it’s even more crucial to celebrate the role they play, not just in nurturing new talent but bringing local musical communities together. 

“There’ll be hundreds of gigs all over the country, from some established, or soon to be well known names, as well as a terrific range of newcomers who are well worth a look.

"I really hope it encourages fans to get out and see a gig and support their local promoters," he said. 

Tickets for Old Fire Station gigs can be found via www.ofscarlisle.co.uk/