BBC Radio 6 Music will broadcast live from Strings in Newport on Monday 26th January as part of Independent Venue Week 2026.
Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens will co-host Steve Lamacq’s Teatime Session from the 300-capacity venue between 4pm and 7pm.
The broadcast marks the start of four days of programming on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds celebrating independent music and arts venues across the UK.
Isle of Wight’s music scene in focus
Strings opened in 2017 and musicians run the venue for music lovers. The venue has become a focal point for grassroots music on the Island.
During the show, the Strings venue team will tell listeners about the venue’s history and the challenges they face.
Representatives of Platform One will also appear on the programme. Platform One is the Isle of Wight’s music and creative arts college attended by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, who later went on to form Wet Leg, and have since won Grammy, BRIT and Ivor Novello Awards.
Live performances from Island bands
Two bands from the Island’s contemporary music scene will perform live during the broadcast.
Rock four-piece Coach Party and punk duo The Pill will play sets at Strings.
Steph Nieuwenhuys, who presents the BBC Introducing show on BBC Radio Solent, will join the programme to tell listeners about emerging artists in the area.
‘A great little venue’
Steve Lamacq says,
“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.”
He adds,
“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.”
Steve continues,
“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.”
Supporting emerging artists
Huw Stephens says,
“I’m looking forward to being at Strings with Steve Lamacq this year for Independent Venue Week on the Isle of Wight.”
He adds,
“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.”
Moy: Dedicated to supporting new music and the independent venues
Samantha Moy, Head of 6 Music, says,
“BBC Radio 6 Music is dedicated to supporting new music and the independent venues that are so crucial to the growth of emerging artists.”
She continues,
“Over the course of our long-standing, annual reflection of Independent Venue Week, we’ve broadcast live from cherished spaces all over the UK.”
Week-long celebration
Huw Stephens will continue programming from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th January, exploring the UK’s independent live music industry.
He will speak to Independent Venue Week’s Scottish Ambassadors, folk-punk band Brogeal, and BBC Introducing presenters who will give audio tours of their local independent venues.
The programmes will include an Independent Venue Week gig guide with contributions from artists performing at shows across the UK.
All programmes will remain available on BBC Sounds for 30 days after broadcast.
BBC Radio 6 Music reaches 2.7 million listeners and is the UK’s biggest digital-only radio station.
