THIS is Independent Music Week, the week when venues such as the long-established Fibbers in York highlights the need to be heard.

Manager Tim Fibbers fires a word of warning at a time when outside forces are making it more difficult to thrive.

“One day, if we’re not very careful, independently-run venues will cease to exist, legislated out of existence or simply just swallowed up by economies of scale,” he says.

“It’s worth remembering that, Simon Cowell’s stable notwithstanding, all big acts started in small venues.

Learning their trade and playing to small audiences, as provincial venues and promoters put their hearts and money where their mouths, not their corporate wallets, are. And continue to do so to this day.”

Long may it continue, he says, as Fibbers settles its into new home in Toft Green, after relocating from Stonebow last autumn, after more than 20 years.

“Fibbers is one of the most iconic small venues in the country, solidly supported by the music industry and fans alike, especially those from York,” points out Tim, welcoming this week’s spotlight. “Independent Venue Week is fighting against restrictive noise laws, punitive taxation and, yes, some forces within the industry itself, to keep bringing you live music of the highest quality.”

As the centrepiece event, he has brought together a bill of Mark Morriss, Chris Helme, Rick Witter & Joe Johnson, Unfinished Drawings, Boss Caine and Up The Racket DJs for tomorrow night and not surprisingly the 7.30pm show has sold out.

“We’re proud to present some of York’s most famous sons, and one from beyond who has graced those famous boards many times in the past,” says Tim. “Yes, it rather looks like a bit of a Britpop/90s night but what’s wrong with that; at least everybody liked Tony Blair back then, and Cherie even used to answer the door in her nightie.”

Looking ahead to a packed Friday bill, Tim runs through the acts in reverse order: “Bluetones legend Mark Morriss, now solo for his sins, will round off a night with a distinct acoustic bent that will feature Chris Helme, ex-Seahorses but for years now packing out venues in his own right with wonderful songwriting and a soulful and powerful delivery.

“Before that, Rick Witter and Joe Johnson of Shed Seven will be doing a short set of greatest hits and, in between, Rick will be hosting and curating the evening.

“Probably the hardest working gothic country artist in the UK, Boss Caine, aka Daniel Lucas or, as we know him, Badly Shaven Boy, will reprise even more greatest hits.

“But to start the evening, and probably the natural successor to Jon Gomm, will be Unfinished Drawings, alias Toby Burras, tapping and singing and generally just being awesome.

Tickets have been absolutely flying out . What a great way to celebrate Independent Venue Week.”

Saturday’s 7.30pm gig at Fibbers, headlined by Charlie Simpson, has sold out too. The Busted and Fightstar singer is undertaking his first ever solo acoustic tour, performing without a band.

“I’m genuinely excited and a little nervous to be playing such intimate shows completely solo for the first time,” he says.