The Main Stage initiative has returned for summer 2026, uplifting grassroots venues across the UK

London, UK, 24 June 2026 – The Independent is delighted to announce the revival of its Main Stage initiative, launched in 2024, which champions emerging artists and grassroots music venues (GMVs) with the Music Venue Trust.

GMVs are a launch pad for up-and-coming talent, with virtually all of the UK’s biggest acts having started out on their stages. The Independent is home to the UK’s most comprehensive and genre-spanning music coverage, attracting millions of viewers each month through daily editorial content across multiple platforms.

Throughout the summer, The Independent will hand the mic to a different grassroots music venue around the UK every fortnight, spotlighting eight venues in total from the full diversity of the country’s music scene. Each venue will be covered editorially in The Independent, given £5,000 of Independent advertising, and assets to use on their own channels to promote their Main Stage status.

Launching the initiative is Dubrek Studios in Derby city centre. Born out of a passion for underground music, Dubrek took a winding route to becoming a permanent venue. Originally founded as a recording and rehearsal studio, it has since evolved into one of the city's most beloved grassroots music venues. Enmeshed in Derby’s underground music scene, the venue has championed emerging artists for over 15 years, fostering a welcoming, community-led environment for musicians and fans alike.

The initiative will then shine a light on Lubber Fiend in Newcastle, a volunteer-led venue known for championing alternative and underground music; Pealie's Barn in Northallerton, a unique rural venue bringing live music to the heart of North Yorkshire; and Voodoo Daddy's in Norwich, a longstanding grassroots venue celebrated for its eclectic programme of live music and support for emerging artists.

The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor, says: “"I'm so thrilled to be launching another series of The Independent's Main Stage initiative with the Music Venue Trust.

“Supporting the UK’s grassroots music spaces is more crucial than ever, as this is where all our future festival and stadium headliners get their starts. I’m proud that The Independent understands this and is helping to champion the incredible teams who run these venues, which are at the heart of their communities.

“Huge thanks also to the MVT for teaming up with us again, and for all the amazing and vital work they do.”

Mark Davyd, Founder and CEO, the Music Venue Trust, says: “There’s a sense of real positive change being possible for the UK’s grassroots music venues, but times remain challenging. The Independent’s Main Stage initiative is an essential guide to that story, helping to chronicle the real experiences of live music communities across the country.”