Independent Venue Week returns once again this year, from Monday 27th January - Sunday 2nd Feb 2020, dedicated to showcasing the very best independent and grassroots venues in the UK; the venues at the very heart of every city's music scene.
At See Tickets, we are proud to work with some of the most important spaces for arts and culture across the country, providing support in the most crucial venues for nurturing up-and-coming artists.
Recently, See Tickets has been selected as primary ticket agent for new Manchester venue YES, which becomes the 50th in its portfolio of independent venues.
We have long-standing relationships with independent venues across the country including Alexandra Palace, Albert Hall Manchester, EartH, Lincoln Engine Shed, Chalk (formerly The Haunt), Omeara, The Leadmill, Village Underground, Electric Ballroom and The Brudenell.
In the latest edition of our Independent Venue Week series, we caught up with The Factory Live, Worthing's newest venue. The 300 capacity space is the brainchild of Steve Gardner, and its calendar is programmed by ATOM Promotions. Boasting top of the range equipment including a Yamaha sound system, industry standard lighting, and a modular stage, The Factory Live hosts some of the best gigs, comedy and club nights on the South Coast, supporting both local talent and international acts.
We spoke to Thom Milner-Smith of ATOM Promotions and The Factory Live about the essential contributions independent venues make to local economies and what makes their new venue so unique.
What makes an independent venue stand out amongst a sea of other music venues across the country?
Unique positioning and features. Our venue, The Factory Live - is the only dedicated live music & club in Worthing, which certainly stands out and is accessible to promoters, agents & customers alike.
Summarise, in your opinion, the importance of independent venues in a local community and what the future holds for them:
They contribute to the local economy from the ground up - both financially and with talent. They support the talent that will play in the bigger venues. Without them, there's no stepping stone for these acts. They're the venues that become the legends in the local community, building regular culture.
What does your average day to day look like as part of an independent venue?
Answering hire enquiries, artist offers from agents, looking for gaps in the calendar, sending proposals to agents, advancing shows, marketing them and finally, delivering the live event.
What's the most rewarding part of working in an independent venue?
Building culture & seeing lots of different people come together to share live music moments together.
What are some the most iconic moments to ever happen in your venue?
The opening night, The Allergies playing a Sold Out gig with many more to come (opened end of September 2019!)
What’s the strangest rider request at your venue?
That would be telling!
What can we expect from your venue during Independent Venue Week?
A spellbinding show from Indoor Pets, Gloo and Speaker Freak.
What's the best show you've personally seen in your venue?
Beardyman
Name some of the most famous acts your venue has hosted to date:
Beardyman, Carl Barat, Wild Front & Polar States, Lou Sanders, Greg Koch, The Allergies.
What's the most exciting show coming up in 2020 at your venue?
Judge Jules
Find tickets for all upcoming shows at The Factory Live, Worthing below!
Or, find tickets for Independent Venue Week shows right here...
Keep up to date with your favourite artists, priority bookings and exclusive offers from See Tickets:
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