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 to 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, The Subways, The Blockheads, and Frankie & The Heartstrings with more to be announced.

Highlights of the week include a gig by one of Italy’s foremost singer- songwriters, Eugenio Finardi, at Dingwalls in Camden Lock on January 29.

The Yardbirds will be at the 100 Club in Oxford Street on January 30, in their last London show with the current line up which features original members Jim McCarty and Top Topham.

The same night Birthdays in Newington Road, N16 will host a gig by Ganz and More and The Black Heart in Camden will welcome Gallows for a DJ set, Moose Blood, Milk Teeth and Richa for an evening of music hosted by Venn Records.

The Good Ship in Kilburn High Road, NW6 is putting on a trio of gigs in support of the week – Evi Vine on January 29, Third Uncle on January 30 and AK/DK on January 31.

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