
Guildford venue The Boileroom features in Independent Venues Week
The Boileroom is a 275-capacity grassroots venue which was founded by Dominique Fraser in 2006.It describes itself as a "launchpad for talent and a space for creative communities to thrive".It has earned multiple awards, including Live Awards Grassroots Champion in 2023 and multiple 'best entertainment venue' accolades.Mr Rapinett said: "The Boileroom is so forward thinking and provides so many opportunities for artists."It is such a significant place for so many people."
'Backbone of the live music scene'
Independent Venues Week (IVW) runs from 27 January to 2 February.Launched in 2013, it partners with BBC 6 Music and Arts Council England.Its aim is encourage artists, audiences and the wider music business to recognise the vital role these venues play in the industry, through a series of special live events.An IVW spokesperson said independent venues were the "backbone of the live music scene"."These spaces are the training grounds for emerging talent and the lifeblood of their local music scenes," they said."Artists such as Adele, Sam Fender, and Idles all cut their teeth in independent venues before becoming global superstars."This year's IVW also includes collaborations with BBC Introducing, record labels, and organisations working to ensure live music is accessible to all.
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