BBC Radio 6 Music will broadcast live from Strings in Newport later this month as part of Independent Venue Week, with radio heavyweights Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens shining a national spotlight on the Isle of Wight’s grassroots music scene.
The 300-capacity venue will host a special live edition of Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session on Monday 26th January, between 16:00 and 19:00. The show will mark the launch of a week-long celebration of independent music venues across the UK.
Strings, which opened in 2017 and is run by musicians for music lovers, has become a key space for local and touring acts. Its contribution to the Isle of Wight’s cultural landscape will be highlighted during the live broadcast, alongside stories from the venue team about its history and the ongoing challenges it faces.
Listeners will also hear from representatives of Platform One, the Island’s music and creative arts college where Grammy-winning duo Wet Leg first met, and from BBC Introducing’s Steph Nieuwenhuys, who will showcase some of the best emerging talent from the region.
Live performances will come from two of the Isle of Wight’s most talked-about acts: indie rock band Coach Party and punk duo The Pill.
Steve Lamacq has said:
“I’ve never broadcast from the Isle of Wight before, so I’m delighted that we’re heading to Strings which is a great little venue and a real credit to the music community on the island. There are so many stories to tell as well, going right back to the original Isle of Wight Festival in the ‘70s, up to the present day with Wet Leg and a whole slew of new bands that we’ve been playing recently.
“It’s also an important time to wave the flag for independent venues everywhere because they really are the foundation on what a lot of British music is built on. And, especially during these financially challenging times, they deserve all the support they get.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Huw Stephens adds:
“I’m looking forward to being at Strings with Steve Lamacq this year for Independent Venue Week on the Isle of Wight. I have very fond memories of going to Bestival several times, and I can’t wait to meet the 6 Music listeners, the bands playing and those who make it all happen live on air.”
Sybil Bell, Founder & CEO of Independent Venue Week, said:
“The support of BBC Radio 6 Music is massively important to Independent Venue Week and our entire community, making up the UK’s independent live music ecosystem. As well as celebrating the Isle of Wight’s exciting music scene at Strings with Coach Party and The Pill, it’s just brilliant that Huw, Steve and the team will continue highlighting and celebrating the importance of independent venues in villages, towns and cities, to fans and communities across the UK.”
The programme will be available to listen back on BBC Sounds for 30 days after the live broadcast.
