WARRINGTON’S Peggy McCools has been chosen to be part of Independent Venue Week (IVW), the UK’s annual seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues across the country.
Since it launched in 2014, IVW has been championing the vital role independently owned venues play in the music industry by bringing them together with artists, promoters, agents, record labels for a series of special live events.
From giving artists their first experience of performing live, to fans somewhere to discover and watch their favourite artists locally, independent venues also provide those wanting a career off-stage the chance to learn their craft in a safe and secure environment.
Peggy McCools was chosen due to its commitment to supporting Warrington’s grassroots music scene since it opened, with more than 200 bands having played the venue over the past two years and 100 per cent of the door revenue going to the bands.
As part of IVW – which opens on Monday (January 26) , the Erwood Street bar, just a stone’s throw from the Halliwell Jones Stadium, will be putting on six days of live events, including four band nights, an evening of acoustic talent, and an open mic night on Friday, January 30, ahead of the Warrington Wolves home game against Leigh Leopards.
Matt McGinty, founder of Peggy McCools, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been considered and chosen for Independent Venue Week – I never thought I’d see Peggy McCools on the same list as the likes of the famous Ronnie Scotts.
“It’s great to be recognised for our efforts in providing a space for Warrington’s grassroots music to keep thriving – it’s really important to us. We grew up following our friends in some of Warrington’s favourite bands and without independent venues they would never have been able to get the experience they needed to progress.
“Hopefully the IVW spotlight on Warrington will help the town’s scene kick on a gear because there’s some incredible talent out there. We look forward to welcoming people through the door for it next week.”
