The John Peel Centre in Stowmarket is set to host DJ Steve Lamacq’s BBC Radio 6 Music show on Monday as part of Independent Venue Week.
To celebrate the week, the popular radio show will take in five different locations around the country, broadcasting live from the venues.
Steve and the BBC 6 Music team will kick-off their roadshows at the town’s creative arts venue, which was restored five years ago, on Monday, January 29.
Featuring on the show, from 4pm to 7pm, will be Independent Venue Week founder Sybil Bell, ambassador Nadine Shah, and John’s widow Sheila Ravenscroft, who is patron and director of the centre.
John, who championed new music from unlikely sources throughout his broadcasting career, lived in Great Finborough, near Stowmarket, and always supported worthwhile local initiatives in the community.
He died, aged 65, in October 2004 after suffering a heart attack and the potential for a project to develop as a tribute to him was identified following consultation in 2009.
The restoration of the centre was carried out in three phases between 2010 and 2013, and was funded through grants, fundraising events and donations.
The community-owned venue aims to foster the creative energy of local people and enable wider enjoyment of the arts while providing a lasting tribute to John’s life and career.
Jane Cox, John Peel Centre manager, said: “We’re really pleased that Steve Lamacq is coming to the John Peel Centre to broadcast as part of Independent Venue Week.
“This week is a fantastic opportunity to champion the hard work of small venues, such as the John Peel Centre, across the country and the bands of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers.
“We have a great programme of varied acts throughout Independent Venue Week, which continues throughout the year.”
The BBC 6 Music team will travel to The Boileroom, in Guildford, on Tuesday, before heading to The Cookie in Leicester on Wednesday.
A trip further north to The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge in west Yorkshire will take place on Thursday before a trip to Studio 2 in Liverpool on Friday.
Steve said: I’ve always liked Independent Venue Week because it does a lot to highlight, not just the importance of small live venues, but also some of the challenges facing them.”
“So it’s a really good time to take the programme back on tour and hear some of their stories. I’m also hoping that, as well as meeting some listeners, we’ll uncover some interesting new bands along the way.”
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