The first issue of The Wire was published in summer 1982. To mark its 40th anniversary, throughout July the magazine is hosting a series of live events in London, Bristol, Brighton, Manchester, Glasgow, Chicago, and online.

Two events in London on 8 & 9 July will showcase some of the artists who have recently appeared on The Wire's Below The Radar compilations – the magazine's ongoing series of underground music compilations that bring together new experimental music made by independent musicians, and are made available to all The Wire’s subscribers as downloads. On 9 July The Wire's Meg Woof invites three experimental electronic artists to perform live sets at London's Spanners: Infant Tree label founder, field recordist and producer Malvern Brume; sound artist and ambient composer Nexcyia; and composer and interdisciplinary artist Venus Ex Machina.  London Spanners, 9 July, 8pm–12am, £10. [The first Wire 40 × Below The Radar event will take place 8 July at London Spanners featuring performances from No Home, Komare and Venus Ex Machina. Tickets and further details.]