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Hip-Hop Lives Here
Nova Twins, Brògeal and Eve Goodman have been confirmed as ambassadors for Independent Venue Week 2026.
The week long celebration of grassroots live music across the UK has been running since 2013 and will take place this year between January 26 and February 1. A total of 236 venues are involved, each hosting special shows during a period that is typically quieter for independent spaces.
Nova Twins will serve as the 2026 Artist Ambassadors and are set to return to their South London roots with a special one off performance at the 300 capacity Amersham Arms on January 27. Tickets for the show are available now.
Made up of Amy Love and Georgia South, the duo were recently named champions of National Album Day and ambassadors for Music Minds Matter. They also released their third studio album ‘Parasites & Butterflies’ last year.
The band said: “We’re SO excited to be playing Amersham Arms on Jan 27th for Independent Venue Week. This venue means so much to us. We spent a huge part of our teenage years playing on that stage and have so many memories tied to it.
“From our earliest bands through to becoming Nova Twins, it has always been a vital space for us. It helped shape who we are and build our community. We’re really looking forward to playing an intimate show and celebrating independent venues. We have to keep protecting them.”
Falkirk folk punk outfit Brògeal have been announced as the Scottish ambassadors for 2026. They will play shows at MacArts in Galashiels on January 30 and The Venue in Dumfries on January 31, with The Rooks providing support at both dates.
Singer songwriter Eve Goodman has been named as the Welsh ambassador and will perform at Caffi Isa in Mold on January 26, Tŷ Tawe in Swansea on January 30 and Cwtch Coffee in Pembroke on February 1.
Sybil Bell, founder and CEO of Independent Venue Week, said: “I’m incredibly proud that IVW continues to work with such inspiring artist ambassadors. These shows perfectly capture what the celebration is about, whether it’s Nova Twins returning to a venue that played a huge role in their journey, or Brògeal and Eve heading beyond the major cities to perform in music loving towns like Galashiels, Dumfries and Mold. That spirit is central to what we’re trying to do, and we’re so excited to see the 13th edition of IVW begin on January 26th.”
You can find the full list of participating venues and shows here.
Since the event began, more than one million tickets have been sold for Independent Venue Week shows, helping to shine a light on the challenges facing the live music sector. Last year, Gwenno and rEDOLENT acted as ambassadors for the campaign.
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Willie Nelson has criticised the development of data centres and encouraged communities to unite and “fight” the construction of the large server facilities.
The country music legend has supported environmental causes for decades and helped establish Farm Aid. For more than 40 years, the organisation has assisted local farmers while challenging the expansion of industrial farming operations that threaten family operated land.
On Tuesday, July 28, Nelson posted an open letter on social media condemning environmentally harmful data centres throughout the United States. He also drew attention to the serious effects these facilities can have on nature and nearby businesses.
“I grew up in Abbott, and I still have a home there with farmed land where I can still see stars at night,” his post began. “And now our community, like many others, needs to fight against data centres invading our land.”
Nelson described the facilities as “loud”, “water-thieving” and “light polluting”. He added that “the last thing we need” is to have them located “anywhere near our town (or any others for that matter)”.
“The strength of rural America has never come from big industrial footprints. It comes from generations of people, open spaces, local businesses, and a connection to the land,” he wrote, adding that the nation deserves “thoughtful stewardship that doesn’t steal farmland” and small family farms, “not data centers that only destroy the environment around them.”
Bringing his message to a close, Nelson wrote: “Whoever controls food and water, controls the masses. Let’s not allow our own demise or give up control over necessary resources in the US, and especially in Abbott”.
Concerns surrounding data centres are increasing across the United States because of the enormous quantities of water they consume, along with the land and electricity required to power AI services. Several areas around the country have already blocked or delayed new data centre projects in response to these issues.
According to Variety, Nelson has generated more than $70million (£52.6million) through Farm Aid to assist rural agricultural communities. He has also helped collect millions for military veterans, disaster survivors, and people experiencing hunger or homelessness.
Nelson released his latest project, ‘Dream Chaser’, in May, marking the 79th solo album of his career.
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