A look at some of the parties in the UK with a bit more too them than just a bit of fun.
The Cause
The Tottenham club with a focus on Mental health. Having hosted the likes of Avalon Emerson, Call Super, Tom Demac, Jenifer Cardini, it looks like they’ll be closing at the end of the year due to development, but The Cause is one of those places that’s more of an idea than a space. The space is made special by those who inhabit it, and if they find a new space, there is no doubt that The Cause will continue.
Cosmic Slop
Leeds’ finest. Based in Hopehouse Gallery in support of MAP charity, Cosmic Slop has hosted the likes of Hunnee, Gilles Peterson and Floating Points (so many times). MAP helps those at risk of exclusion from mainstream education gain creative diplomas. MAP is a vital part of the Leeds creative community and Hope House gallery pulls the whole thing together as a truly unique mix of education and club space.
Get it Loud in Libraries
Bringing new, younger, audiences into libraries by hosting some of the best up-and-coming bands around in under used library spaces. A group that supports spaces and small towns all over the country from Skelmersdale (yeah me neither) to Greenock (nope not that one either), these guys have hosted the likes of Young Fathers, Nilufer Yanya and Kojey Radical in parts of the country that are almost always overlooked.
Nice People Magazine Launches
Nice People Magazine is a series of love letters to the Leeds creative community, collected into a magazine which is released a few times a year. With each release Nice People bring together a group of musicians at the Hyde Park Book Club to dance their evenings away, all while supporting emerging talent in the city. They’ve just announced their first compilation with a load of goodies and they’re close to reaching their kickstarter goal – you can check it out here.
Independent Venue Week
Did you know that London lost 35% of its grassroots music venues between 2007 and 2015? (Source) It’s a story you can see all over the UK, and despite some pockets of good news the general trend is still towards more small, independent venue closures as financial pressures mount and areas are developed. Independent venue week is a celebration of those tiny, sweaty and raw venues that you first saw your favourite band in. Next year Independent Venue Week will run from Monday 27th Jan to Sunday 2nd Feb, so get out there and help your local get over the post-christmas slump.