Ben lovett - Mumford and Sons and Managing Partner, The Venue Group
“I’m proud to be a Patron of Independent Venue Community. As a musician, promoter, and now venue builder, I’ve seen the power of countries that prioritise independent venues and the communities around them. These spaces offer vital opportunities—to work in the industry, attend gigs, and forge connections that shape cultural life. Everyone deserves access to that, regardless of background, postcode or connections.
We see music as a catalyst for positive change, driving economic and social impact through venues that celebrate not only live performance, but also great food and drink—places where culture is shared and sustained.
Though often open only a few hours a week, these venues endure as essential “third places”—where we come together with friends, family, and the artists who move us. Somewhere between melody and lyric, we find truth—and the joy of standing, singing, and celebrating together. It makes us all more human and more connected.”
Big Jeff - Artist, Musician, Gig goer
“Independent venues provide an important community asset bringing life to areas and changing places for the better.
Many creative skills are learnt, dreams can be realised and they are hubs for communities to gather around.”
Bishi - Artist
“I started performing in bands in small venues and underground nightclubs from the age of 14. I would not have a career without these experiences & feel passionately about celebrating and uplifting independent venues as culturally valuable spaces.”
Brooke Coombe - Artist
“I’d never played a gig before and found myself signing the dotted line during lockdown. My first ever gig sold out and, from there, I continue to make my way through all the different venues in all the cities in the UK.
The live element has been the biggest part of my journey as I’ve learned the art of performing, gaining more confidence and focusing on my musicality. I feel I’m definitely a better person for channelling my emotions through music and gigging.”
christine osazuwa - Founder
of Measure of Music
“I grew up in a smaller city where opportunities in music felt miles away (literally and figuratively). Independent Venue Community matters to me because it brings those opportunities to people, instead of expecting them to leave home to chase them. It’s about access, representation, and showing young people that they belong in this industry too. I’m honored to be a patron of IVC and will continue to champion diversity & inclusion in live music.”
david martin - ceo featured artists coalition
“I’m honoured become a Patron of Independent Venue Community and support its vital mission to bring people together through music and culture. This charity is about more than just venues—it’s about strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and making sure everyone has access to inspiring, shared experiences.”
Emma snook - Director of Marketing UK, Partisan Records
“Independent venues are vital to nurturing musical talent and community. Record labels like Partisan would simply not exist without the artists that emerge from such venues. The formation of the Independent Venue Community is an exciting development to all the brilliant work Independent Venue Week have been doing for years, and we’re proud to stand by it.”
lambrini girls - artist
Quote on it’s way – the girls are out on tour
Life - artist
“We have worked alongside Sybil and the vital independent community work she and her wonderful colleagues have spearheaded for at least 10 years. Her endeavours and ethos are aligned with ours, as we are all driven by community. Independent venues pulsate and run through LIFE’s DNA.
We exist as artists because of these creative hubs. Therefore, to be asked to be a Patrons of Independent Venue Community is all kinds of bliss and we can’t wait to help and continue to facilitate community based work alongside the team; especially with regards to vulnerable young people gaining access to grassroots creative hubs.
These venues within our community as independent artists are everything and we will give our all to help keep them singing.”
nuha ruby ra - artist
“Independent venues are where I found my voice, my people, and my purpose. These spaces are sacred — they’re where truths echo, risks are taken, and futures begin. Keeping them alive isn’t just important — it’s vital to the future of music and culture.”
philip selway - artist
“Throughout my life, independent venues have given me a great sense of community both as a gig-goer and as a performer. They are places where I’ve been able to grow and connect with others through a shared love of music.
I’m proud to support IVC in their ongoing work to open up these spaces as hubs for essential programmes that provide support, personal development and change, right at the heart of the local community.”
pigs pigs pigs pigs pigs pigs pigs - artist
“The Independent Venue Week initiative is a vital pillar of the live music scene and the broader independent music ecosystem. It’s exciting and heartening to see the launch of the Independent Venue Community as a standalone charity.
Across towns, cities, and villages in the UK, independent venues remain one of the last cultural strongholds. They’re places where we laugh, cry, raise our fists to the sky and scream from the top of our lungs – giving voice to the indescribable feelings of being alive. The true beauty lies in doing it together, as a community.”
Public Service Broadcasting - artist
“We’re honoured to have been asked to be part of the Independent Venue Community’s launch and to become Patrons of the charity. Independent Venue Week has done fantastic work over many years now, and we look forward to supporting this new venture however we can to ensure that venues and the wider independent music community in the UK are supported in the way that they need, and deserve, to be.”
sarah gleadhall - global motion
“Third spaces play a vital role in our communities — offering places to connect, learn, escape, and share in meaningful ways.
I am proud to become a patron of Independent Venue Community and excited to support an initiative that goes beyond live music — spaces that support connection, opportunity and celebrates local culture.”
Sarah jones - general manager, songkick
“I’m proud to be a patron of Independent Venue Communities. IVC is reimagining live music venues as dynamic daytime cultural spaces, embedded in the heart of local life.
By delivering creative opportunities where people live, IVC is deepening local connections, supporting the long-term sustainability of these vital spaces, and driving meaningful change in communities across the UK.”
sarah wilson - Head of Tunecore, UK & Australia
“I’ve long been inspired by the work of IVC and it gives me great pleasure to be able to help with their cause in whatever way possible.
The focus on independent venues and their place at the heart of the community is a vital one – when we look at arts/music development, youth provision and social cohesion they are key components. Sybil and the team bring sharp focus to an area that needs attention and investment for the benefit of all communities.”
tasha gregory - Co-Director Mother Artists
“I’m proud to be a Patron of Independent Venue Community. This is where it all starts and certainly where it should remain strong.
My job, community and roster would be nothing without it. And I for one am going to strongly stand side by side, as long as I can.”
Wozzy Brewster OBE, FRSA - Founder, Executive Director, The Midi Music Company
“I started my career at The Albany Empire in Deptford south-east London, volunteering and then working as an Arts Administrator right the way through to becoming the House Manager prior to working for Community Music as their South East London Project Manager.
So this request brings me back to my ROOTS – I LOVED managing a venue, especially one that was fully embedded in its community…I would have no career if it was not for this AMAZING space in my BELOVED DEPTFORD!! It is truly an honour to be a Patron for IVC.”