Gigs in Pubs

There are over 25,000 pubs operating in the UK and they remain an important part of British culture and social life. One of the things that makes the British pub so great is its versatility. Pubs can make great accommodation, a fun place to eat, drink and relax, but they can also be great locations to host live music events! Hosting pub gigs is an effective way to shake things up, giving customers the chance to savour live music performances by talented musicians. 

pub gigs

What Makes Pub Gigs So Great 

  • Music is a wonderful force for making connections and pubs are the centre of the community – so when you host a pub gig there is a wonderful potential for people to get together, make friends and strengthen community bonds. 
  • The intimate and friendly atmosphere of pubs, often smaller in size, provides an excellent platform for aspiring musicians to gain valuable performing experience. Pub gigs, with their accessible setting, allow emerging artists to connect with audiences in a more personal way, even before they have a substantial following. 
  • The dynamic energy and spontaneity of a live performance can transform the mood, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere in a pub.  
  • Moreover, many pubs actively showcase local musicians and bands during their gigs. This provides a great opportunity for these artists to showcase their skills and for the pub to support the local community. 

In essence, pub gigs go beyond mere entertainment; they create memorable moments. Combining the influence of live music with the communal spirit of pubs, these events offer a practical and accessible way to support local talent, strengthen community ties, and create an atmosphere where unforgettable memories are made.

Hosting a Music Event in Your Pub

pub gigs

Do you have a pub and want to host music events? Two thirds of pub owners believe that music increases alcohol sales, so you have good reason to. Depending on the type of event (eg. number of people in attendance, whether the music is amplified), you may need to get a live music license. The legal stuff can seem like a burden but it is important to check both the licensing and accessibility legislation requirements in your area – especially if you intend to make music events a regular part of your calendar. 

If you are worried about getting overbooked, you might want to let your customers reserve and pay for their tickets in advance on the internet with an online ticket sales system. This offers several benefits. It informs your audience that they have securely acquired their tickets, ensuring they won’t be turned away at the door. Additionally, it provides you with advance knowledge of the expected turnout, allowing you to anticipate and manage a potential sell-out for promoting the live music event; this strategy can also aid in reaching a fresh audience by merging your existing audience with that of the musicians.

Pubs and the UK music scene have one more thing in common: they are iconic in British culture. Music gives us an additional way to enjoy what British pubs have to offer. Here’s to more pub gigs! 

 

Written by Issy Matthews