Support the Supports is back. Discover your favourite new acts!
That’s right, following last years successful first edition of our Support the Supports campaign, encouraging go-goers to discover those hardworking, rising talents that are our fantastic support acts; We’ve brought it back due to demand for the rest of 2026. You heard us right, come along to gigs, discover great new acts, and maybe even win prizes! Keeping reading to find out more!
Every headline artist starts somewhere. Before the sold out tours, chart success, and festival main stages, they were often the first name on a poster, stepping onto a stage in front of an audience who may not have known a single song. At Islington Assembly Hall, we believe those early moments matter. That’s why we’re proud to champion our Support the Support campaign, a celebration of the rising artists who are shaping the future of live music, plus some prizes along with way for the intrepid discoverer of new music.
For many gig-goers, the excitement of a show begins when the headline act takes the stage. But some of the most memorable discoveries happen much earlier in the evening. Support acts bring fresh energy, new sounds, and exciting perspectives. They represent the next generation of talent, offering audiences the chance to experience tomorrow’s stars in an intimate setting today.
Islington Assembly Hall for over a decade has one of London’s most beloved live music venues. Its historic setting and renowned atmosphere have welcomed an incredible range of artists over the years, from emerging performers to internationally acclaimed names. Yet behind every successful headline show is a carefully curated lineup that helps introduce audiences to new music and new voices.
The Support the Support campaign encourages fans to arrive early, stay engaged, and embrace the full concert experience. Rather than seeing the opening act as a warm-up, we’re inviting audiences to view them as artists in their own right. These musicians have worked tirelessly to earn their place on the bill, often travelling across the country, balancing independent careers, and building dedicated fanbases one performance at a time.
By arriving early and showing support, audiences can make a genuine difference.
Something as simple as watching a full set, following an artist on social media, or streaming their music after the show can help propel a career forward. Rewarding those early gig arrivals, we offer the chance to win a range of prizes from drink vouchers to mystery pieces of artist merchandise!
The campaign is also about celebrating discovery. In an age of algorithms and endless playlists, live music remains one of the most powerful ways to find artists organically. There is something special about hearing a song for the first time in a live setting, sharing that moment with fellow music fans, and feeling the connection that only a live performance can create.
For artists, support slots are often career-defining opportunities. They provide a platform to reach new audiences, develop their stagecraft, and gain experience performing in prestigious venues. Many of today’s biggest names spent years building momentum as support acts before taking centre stage themselves.
At Islington Assembly Hall, we are committed to creating opportunities for emerging talent and fostering a vibrant live music community. Through Support the Support, we’re encouraging audiences to play an active role in that journey.
So next time you visit Islington Assembly Hall, consider arriving a little earlier. You might discover your next favourite artist before the headline act even appears. By supporting emerging musicians today, you’re helping shape the future of live music tomorrow.
Because every headline act was once a support act, and every great music story had that ‘I saw them when’ moment!
Find out more Support The Supports
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