Independent Venue Week 2026 arrives in Hull with a true celebration of collaboration, as Dayrider Festival takes over the city on Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February. Bringing together some of Hull’s smaller independent venues, Dayrider is about discovery and the shared joy of live music. A weekend built by the scene, for the scene.
Saturday begins early at The People’s Republic, with doors opening at 1pm for an afternoon steeped in folk, roots, and rich storytelling (£15). Headlined by Jim Causley, the bill also features MG Greaves, Hot Club De Hull, Velvet Tuxedo, Boss Caine, and American Daughters. It’s a warm, welcoming way to ease yourself into the festival and set the tone for the day ahead.
As the afternoon rolls into evening, the action shifts to The Adelphi, where doors open at 4pm for a stacked line-up (£22.50). The ever-brilliant The Bug Club lead a bill bursting with energy and bite, joined by Hull’s own Life, Fonda 500, Club Lex, Possum Kid, and The Caterpillar Spies. It’s classic Adelphi territory, loud, eclectic, and packed with bands you’ll be glad you caught in a room this size.
Later that evening, Dive takes the reins from 5:30pm with a punchy, sweat-soaked punk offering (£8). South London chaos merchants Alien Chicks headline a line-up that also includes Sleuth Gang, The Black Ravines, Shindig, and Bucktooth. Expect noise, sweat, and the kind of late-night, all-in energy that Independent Venue Week is built on.
When the bands wrap up on Saturday night, Polar Bear Music Club keeps the momentum going with WIRED, a free-entry afterparty with DJs from 10:30pm until 2:30am. Whether you’re winding down or pushing your night a little further.
Sunday brings things full circle with a return to The People’s Republic, opening again at 1pm for a beautifully curated, folk-led finale (£24). Headlined by Eliza Carthy, the bill also features Julie Murphy and Ceri Rhys Matthews, alongside Pavey Ark, Marina Moore, Ellie Pollard, and Ruth Scott with Tom Small. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy festival weekend, nurse a gentle hangover, and soak up some beautifully played music before heading back out into the real world.
Dayrider Festival is a reminder of what makes Hull’s scene special, the rooms, the artists, and the audiences who keep it alive week after week. If Independent Venue Week stands for anything, it’s supporting grassroots venues, discovering new artists, and reminding ourselves exactly why live music matters.
