Amy Macdonald named Independent Venue Week’s ambassador for Scotland

This year’s Independent Venue Week has named Amy Macdonald as its final ambassador, representing Scotland.

The week is an annual celebration of independent venues across the UK, and takes place between 25 and 31 January. 2021 will be the eighth edition of the event. Scottish singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald joins the announced ambassadors Arlo Parks for England, Jordan Adetunji for Northern Ireland and Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals for Wales.

“Small and independent venues are so important to developing new music in the UK, and I say this with experience: without the places for me to cut my teeth as a performer starting out, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Macdonald said.

She added: “Additionally, they are places where local young people can learn their trades as sound engineers, lighting technicians, promoters, poster designers etc etc, giving them careers for life. I am super proud to be Scotland’s ambassador for Independent Venue Week 2021, at a time when venues across the country find themselves in a perilous position, and we need to remember everything they offer so we do what we can to keep them going for both the future of British music, and the communities in which they exist.”

A spokesperson for Independent Venue Week added: “As we step into 2021, it is clear we are a long way from any kind of opportunity to safely enjoy live music in grassroots music venues and the health and well-being of our whole community is our priority.”

They also clarified how the event has adapted to a locked-down UK: “IVW is responding by adapting the way shows are available across the week with a range of digital events. From ‘In Conversations’ with artists, labels, promoters, gig-goers and other industry organisations to album listening parties, pre-recorded live streams, comedy and quizzes.”

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