'If we don’t have the venues, we don’t have the opportunities'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

January can be one of the most difficult times of the year to get gig-goers to events and punters into bars. A special, nationwide campaign is trying to ensure people think local - and think independently - when it comes to nights on the town.

Six venues across the city will be hosting a series of shows highlighting some of the UK's hottest and upcoming artists as part of Independent Venue Week (27 January - 2 February).

Figures show that independent venues are at risk more than ever, with organisations such as the Music Venue Trust stating in its annual report that it has responded to a record 200 Emergency Response cases in the last twelve months alone. “Plainly, Manchester has seen significant levels of development and regeneration, and particularly residential builds, this has the potential to impact on existing grassroots music venues," the charity, which acts to protect, secure and improve Grassroots Music Venues, told the Manchester Evening News. “Ultimately the challenges facing grassroots music venues in Manchester and beyond won’t withstand procrastination, the sector needs to see meaningful actions now.” The Rat & Pigeon, YES, The Castle Hotel, Gullivers, New Century Hall and Night & Day Café will have been hosting special events.

The likes of Yasmin Coe, The DSM IV, Willie Watson, E L U C I D, and Ewan Sim - who went viral last year after being picked out of the crowd at a Manchester gig hosted by Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher - are all gracing the stage.