Kettering’s Mae Stephens announces national tour fueled by grassroots support
In a week that has already seen major festival announcements, the county's music scene received another significant boost as Kettering-born breakout star Mae Stephens officially announced her 2026 UK headline tour.
The "If We Ever Broke Up" singer, who famously transitioned from working in a local Asda to global TikTok stardom, is returning to her roots with a tour backed by the Music Venue Trust (MVT).
The partnership is part of the "Liveline Fund," a new initiative designed to ensure that even as artists reach arena-level fame, they continue to support the small, independent stages that birthed their careers.
From Open Mics to the National Stage
Speaking on the tour announcement, Stephens noted that before her viral success, she was a regular at open mic nights across Northamptonshire. The upcoming 11-date run, which kicks off in March, is intentionally visiting smaller grassroots venues across the country.
"Before I got into the industry, I was playing in pubs, open mics—anything I could get my foot in the door," Stephens said.
"I am beyond excited to work with the charity and sing for fans in these intimate spaces."
A Weekend of High-Energy Live Music
While Stephens looks toward her spring tour, the next 48 hours in Northamptonshire are set to be some of the busiest of the year for live performances.
Looking Ahead: Independent Venue Week
The flurry of activity serves as the perfect lead-in to Independent Venue Week (IVW), which begins this Monday, January 26.
Local promoters are reporting strong ticket sales for the week's flagship events, specifically Wednesday’s triple-bill at The Black Prince featuring VC Pines, Woegetter, and The Vandervalls.
Industry Support: The Grassroots Levy
The support for Mae Stephens’ tour comes from a newly implemented "Grassroots Levy." Under this system, major touring acts performing in stadiums and arenas make small contributions from ticket sales back into a fund that supports small venues and emerging artists.
With Kettering’s own star serving as the face of this initiative, there is a growing sense of optimism that the "virtuous cycle" of Northamptonshire music—from the smallest pub stage to the global charts—is finally being protected for the next generation.