Live music is thriving in the UK and it is due in no small part to the dedication of our local pubs, clubs and bars where acts are welcomed to hone their talents.

Independent Venue Week (January 26 to February 1) is back for the second year, with Holloway musician Frank Turner as ambassador, to encourage us all the celebrate and support this vital part of the music industry.

The singer, who will be headlining two special shows at 93 Feet East where he played his first ever gig, says: “It’s great to see Independent Venue Week back again for a second year, and with so many more venues taking part. There’s been so much support recently for the work these places do and opportunities they offer young and more established artists. It’s vital we all celebrate their existence during Independent Venue Week and do what we can to support them so they are still around for years to come.”

The week is supported by Arts Council England and will see at least 85 venues hosting special shows, some of which are being curated by the likes of BBC Introducing, Xfm, Rough Trade and Huw Stephens, and it has attracted some other well-known artists including Peace, Seth Lakeman, Andrew Weatherall, White Fence, Edwyn Collins and The Subways.

The Square, Harlow’s premier independent venue, will be hosting a trio of gigs to mark the occasion. On January 28 it will host The Blockheads, who are known for their work backing the legendary Ian Dury on hits such as Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, Reasons To Be Cheerful and the iconic Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. They have carried on strong since the passing of Ian in 2000, having released three albums of new material with vocalist Derek Hussey. Support will be from local hero Murray Torkildsen.

Then on January 30 Frankie and the Heartstrings, who have released two albums, Hunger and The Days Run Away, will play. Support comes from local band Don’t Worry.

Last, but not least, on February 1 will be The Subways, who are no stranger to The Square, having played some of their earliest gigs on stage as Platypus before changing their name. Their self-titled fourth album is due for release in February. Support comes from London power pop band Los Pepes.

There will also be gigs at the The Islington, the Purple Turtle in Camden, the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall, The Macbeth in Shoreditch, The Social in Little Portland Street, The Village Underground in Shoreditch and many more.

Details: independentvenueweek.com