Beacon Arts Centre has unveiled a new gig series titled Indie Inverclyde, which aims to showcase musical talent across the Inverclyde area. 

Started in part to help local acts build their fanbase, the initiative will help foster a live music culture that’s been hitherto hamstrung thanks to a lack of dedicated gig venues in the local area. It’s led to the Beacon remodelling its studio space to accommodate a standing audience, turning the venue into a gig space that will give locals a reason to listen to music without having to travel to venues in Glasgow. 

Kicking the gig series off on Saturday 6 July is local indie music legend I Am David Laing (pictured above), a Gourock-based songwriter who’s shared stages with Frightened Rabbit and Admiral Fallow, and has opened for Emeli Sandé. 

Lesley Davidson, co-director of Beacon Arts Centre and founder of Indie Inverclyde, said, ‘When I started working here, I immediately noticed the strength of the music community in Inverclyde. The indie musicians coming through have passion and talent, but few options when it comes to places to play.

‘I wanted the Beacon to be a part of each local musician’s story, and Indie Inverclyde is our way of giving them a platform as they take their first steps as artists.

‘It is well documented that the number of smaller music venues across Scotland and the UK is in decline, a trend which threatens the lifeblood of the music industry.

‘If we want to keep producing amazing bands we have to get out there and support them. We hope this exciting series of gigs will be the start of something special.’