FIBBERS, the long-standing live music bar in Stonebow, York, is taking part in Independent Venue Week by presenting three of the city’s most popular acts on Sunday.

Zakk Taylor’s band A Joker’s Rage, Glass Caves and Blind Eye will form the 8pm to 10.30pm bill on the last day of an event that brings together 18 of the “most relevant, important and historic venues around the country”. Each is staging one gig, adding up to three concerts a night over the six days.

Independent Venue Week is supported by PRS For Music [the Performing Right Society] and is being championed by its official ambassador, Radiohead bass player Colin Greenwood.

“Independent venues sit at the heart of their local community, providing a vital lifeline to upcoming artists early in their careers while bringing together those fans who are passionate about live music,” says Greenwood.

“As more and more small to medium-sized venues continue to close around the country, Independent Venue Week supports those venues that play such a significant role to musicians and fans alike.

“We want to celebrate the venues, and the people that run them, that have played host to some of the biggest names in music when they were no better known than the bands that are playing there now.”

Fibbers has staged gigs for 21 years, the majority of them booked by one man, Tim Hornsby, alias Mr H Preesents.

Among those lending support to the event is York Central MP Hugh Bayley, who will be visiting Fibbers this afternoon.

BBC Introducing, Drowned In Sound, Moshi Moshi Records, Domino Records, The Musicians Union and UK Music have all backed the week too, and plans are underway already for a second Independent Venue Week next year.