Independent Venue Week has announced The Charlatans front man Tim Burgess as its 2017 ambassador.

The record label boss will follow in the footsteps of previous ambassadors Wolf Alice, Frank Turner and Radiohead's Colin Greenwood, to spread the word for the event that celebrates venues across Britain, running January 23-29. Burgess commented 'Independent venues are where every band starts and where music fans get to see emerging talent. Without them bands would not get a chance for their all-important first hometown gigs and subsequent tours. These venues and bands need our support and the best way you can do that is by having a night out. Lots of venues are closing – we definitely need to stick together and stop this happening'.