Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens celebrate Independent Venue Week 2026 on BBC Radio 6 Music

13 January 2026 - Press release

 

From Monday 26^th – Thursday 29^th January (4-7pm), BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds will broadcast programmes to mark Independent Venue Week – the UK’s annual, seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them.

Led by Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens, programming will explore the role independent venues play in nurturing creativity and regional music cultures, as well as the challenges that they continue to experience in 2026.

On the Monday (26^th January), Steve and Huw will co-host Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session live from Strings in Newport, on the Isle of Wight. Strings is a 300-capacity venue that opened in 2017, is run by musicians for music lovers and has become a focal point for grassroots music on the island.

They hear from the Strings’ venue team, who tell listeners about its history, and the challenges they face. They also hear from representatives of Platform One, the Isle of Wight’s music and creative arts college and the place where Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers formed the now Grammy, BRIT and Ivor Novello Award winning band, Wet Leg.

Steph Nieuwenhuys, who presents the BBC Introducing show on BBC Radio Solent also joins the show to tell listeners about some of best emerging artists in the area.

Plus, there’ll be live music from two bands at the forefront of the island’s contemporary music scene – rock four-piece Coach Party, and punk duo, The Pill.

Steve says: “I’ve never broadcast from the Isle of Wight before, so I’m delighted that we’re heading to Strings which is a great little venue and a real credit to the music community on the island. There are so many stories to tell as well, going right back to the original Isle of Wight Festival in the ‘70s, up to the present day with Wet Leg and a whole slew of new bands that we’ve been playing recently. It’s also an important time to wave the flag for independent venues everywhere because they really are the foundation on what a lot of British music is built on. And, especially during these financially challenging times, they deserve all the support they get.”

Huw says: “I'm looking forward to being at Strings with Steve Lamacq this year for Independent Venue Week on the Isle of Wight. I have very fond memories of going to Bestival several times, and I can't wait to meet the 6 Music listeners, the bands playing and those who make it all happen live on air.”

Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music says: “BBC Radio 6 Music is dedicated to supporting new music and the independent venues that are so crucial to the growth of emerging artists. Over the course of our long-standing, annual reflection of Independent Venue Week, we’ve broadcast live from cherished spaces all over the UK. After kicking off with Steve and Huw’s show on the Monday from the Isle of Wight, we’ll champion the work of artists and venues from across the country, as we continue our commitment to telling their stories throughout the week.”

Sybil Bell, Founder & CEO, Independent Venue Week says: “The support of BBC Radio 6 Music is massively important to Independent Venue Week and our entire community, making up the UK’s independent live music ecosystem. As well as celebrating the Isle of Wight's exciting music scene at Strings with Coach Party and The Pill, it’s just brilliant that Huw, Steve and the team will continue highlighting and celebrating the importance of independent venues in villages, towns and cities, to fans and communities across the UK.”

During his shows from Tuesday 27^th – Thursday 29^th January, Huw will continue to bring listeners a deep dive into the UK’s independent, live music industry in 2026. He’ll reflect the last twelve months, and revisit sessions tracks from previous Independent Venue Week programmes on 6 Music. He’ll also speak to Independent Venue Week’s Scottish Ambassadors, folk-punk band Brògeal, as well as BBC Introducing presenters, who give listeners an audio tour of their local independent venue. He’ll also provide an IVW gig guide, with contributions from artists performing at shows across the UK.

All programmes will be available on BBC Sounds for 30 days after broadcast.