Open-mic nights in Leicester/shire
2016 – an archived page (no longer updated)
There is a new page now – Open-mic nights in 2017.
This page gives information about open-mic and acoustics nights in Leicester and Leicestershire.
For background information see our page that explains what an open-mic night is.
If there are changes to the listings below, tell us about them – send us a message on Facebook – we check it every day.
NB – Before setting off for a venue please check to see if the night is still taking place. Facebook is the best place to do this.
Acoustic music
‘Acoustic’ refers to music played primarily by solo singers or instrumentalists, although in practice this often includes duos, trios and small ensembles. Traditionally ‘acoustic’ music was entirely unplugged, i.e. not involving any electrical amplification. However, most performances in Leicester, these days, involve people playing guitars with some electrical amplification and it is also possible to see fully electric bands playing at events billed as ‘acoustic nights’. Wikipedia Acoustic music.
Information will be posted here as it comes in. Please check with the venue before you set out; we cannot guarantee that the information we have is up to date and some events are liable to change, so it is best to check.
In order of the day of the week.
Open-mics on Monday
One of the best is the City Acoustic Club and this takes place on Mondays at The Musician, Clyde Street, Leicester, starting around 8.30 p.m. Entry is free.
City Acoustic Club page on Facebook
There is acoustic music session every Monday night at the Queen Victoria pub in Syston. It kicks off at 9 pm. Banjos fiddles flutes etc. all welcome. Mainly traditional styles of music.
Find out about Wildfire Sessions’ gigs
Open-mics on Tuesday
The SoundHouse, Southampton Street, Leicester. LE1 1SJ.
Tuesday nights have become very popular and usually have a reasonably good audience. Artists are advised to arrive between 7 and 7.30 p.m. to sign up for a slot. First come first served.
For the latest information see Rhett Barrow’s page on Facebook
The Barley Mow, Granby Street, every Tuesday from 9 pm.
See the page for Ruthie Coles on Facebook. | The Barley Mow on Facebook.
The Y (where the YMCA is in East Street) provides an open-mic on Tuesdays.
Artists are allowed a 15-minute session. Slots should be pre-booked by email by going to:
Loughborough
The Paget Arms (get more details from Facebook)
The Bakers Arms
Blaby, LE8 4FQ
First Tuesday of the month at 8:30 pm
Acoustic club every Tuesday
Get more details from Facebook
Open-mics on Wednesday
The Old Plough, Front Street, Birstall LE4 4DP on the last Wednesday of every month, from 8 pm to 11 pm.
For more information go to Cliff Bywater’s website.
The Turkey Cafe, 24 Granby St, Leicester LE1 1DE, tel: 0116 251 2650. open-mic is on the first Wednesday of the month.
Syston
4th Wednesday of the month – Queen Victoria, Syston. 9 pm start. All of the Open Mics are acoustic Open Mics and we provide a full PA including 16 channel Yamama desk, Mackie speakers, numerous mics, monitor and assorted percussion if required! Contact details for all of the Open Mics is me – David Moore – David@studio3zero.co.uk or 07784 787038. If you need any further information then please do get in touch!
Dunton Bassett
New open mic on the first Wednesday of every month, at the Dunton Bassett Arms, LE17 5JJ. Starts at 8 pm.
Manhattan34
There is a new open mic there that runs every other Wednesday. On Facebook, see the Manhattan Wednesday group. See the Manhattan Bar page on FB.
Sileby
Sileby’s premier pub The Horse and Trumpet is the site of an enjoyable and fun Jam Night taking place every Wednesday starting 8.30. We have a full kit for electric guitar and electro-acoustic, bass, drums and PA. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, a good pint and some live music. Entry is free and all performers are welcome. For information visit the Facebook page for Open mic at Horse and Trumpet
The Swan and Rushes pub
Al Sanson’s open-mic at The Swan and Rushes, second Tuesday of every month
Earl Shilton
At the Constitutional Club, LE9 7GE.
Third Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m.
Get more details from Facebook
Open-mics on Thursday
The Song Club at the Donkey
Since February 2006 Donkey promoter, Gaz Birtles, has been presenting The Song Club at The Donkey. His choice of up and coming and established local and national (and sometimes International) acts has built a reputation that ensures a regular, music-loving audience each month. No matter who is on. This first Thursday of the month night has become synonymous with quality, original and eclectic genres of live music. 4 acts each month playing 30-minute sets (generally acoustically but not specifically so) presented in a warm and friendly atmosphere that The Donkey easily generates! Music starts at 8.30pm and is free to get in.
See the Facebook page for The Donkey.
Belton
1st Thursday of the month – Queens Head, Belton. 9 pm start. 2nd Thursday of the month – Hare and Hounds, Whitwick. 9 pm start. 3rd Friday of the month – New Bardon Coalville. 9 pm start. 4th Wednesday of the month – Queen Victoria, Syston. 9 pm start. All of the Open Mics are acoustic Open Mics and we provide a full PA including 16 channel Yamama desk, Mackie speakers, numerous mics, monitor and assorted percussion if required! Contact details for all of the Open Mics is me – David Moore – David@studio3zero.co.uk or 07784 787038. If you need any further information then please do get in touch! Cheers
Northampton
Singers, Musicians and Music Lovers wanted for the Thursday Sessions at The Cons Club, Rushden, High Street South, Northamptonshire. This night is for electric and acoustic players. Mic Night Every Thursday. Great Sound System. The drinks are very cheap. Starts around 9 pm until late. If you like to sing or play or just like live music. Come Along and have some fun and meet some new people. This is not just an acoustic night. So feel free to bring whatever instrument you like to play.
The Cons Club, High Street South, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0QX
Any Questions Phone: 01933 312445 or Call John 07970747593.
Fubar, Narborough Road has now closed down
Open-mics on Friday
Melton Mowbray night, Every Friday at 7:30 till about 12 there is an open-mic at Melton’s live music Cafe Bar.
See the Melton Cafe Bar web site.
Coalville
3rd Friday of the month – New Bardon Coalville. 9 pm start. 4th Wednesday of the month – Queen Victoria, Syston. 9 pm start. All of the Open Mics are acoustic Open Mics and we provide a full PA including 16 channel Yamama desk, Mackie speakers, numerous mics, monitor and assorted percussion if required! Contact details for all of the Open Mics is me – David Moore – david@studio3zero.co.uk or 07784 787038. If you need any further information then please do get in touch! Cheers
Open-mics at the weekend
Upcoming music events in Melton with live bands every Fri and Sat night, original artist showcase and open mic nights on Thursdays and on Sundays will have a blues, bluegrass, folk, jazz (eclectic) gig for something a bit different.
Open mic night at Sloanes
This city centre bar now hosts live music and puts on open-mic nights on Sunday evenings.
Check for details on the bar’s Facebook page.
Pi Bar, Narborough Road
Open mic at Pi Bar is presented by Elysian and is held on the third Sunday of every month.
First Sunday of the month – acoustic session, The Queen’s Head, Billesdon.
See also:
Nights put on by Wildfire Sessions
Our page about Leicester/shire’s singers.
Our list of music venues in Leicester
Our article about how to get a gig in Leicester (mainly for bands)