Music venue 'beacon of culture and hope'

A popular gig spot in Surrey is one of more than 200 spaces across the country shining a spotlight on the "crucial" role of small venues.

The Boileroom, in Guildford, has hosted huge names such as Ed Sheeran, Foals, Bastille, The 1975 and Kate Nash.

But Harry Rapinett, one of the venue's management team alongside Dominique Fraser and Priya Attapatto, said it was more than just a venue.

"It provides such culture for the area and Guildford would not be the same without it," he said. "It is a beacon of culture and hope."

The Boileroom is a 275-capacity grassroots venue which was founded by Ms 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."

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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