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14 Great Independent Music Venues in Cornwall
In celebration of Independent Venue Week, here's a guide to some of our favourite independent live music venues in Cornwall.
Image: James Lorne Photography at The Old Bakery, Truro
1. The Old Bakery, Truro
The Old Bakery is an exciting venue in Truro programming eclectic, emerging music and performance. It is a great place to see the next big thing, including album releases for local talent and live performance.
As a part of Independent Venue Week, this Friday, on the 31st, the legendary Rock Night returns, headlined on this occasion by metal mayhem monsters Sanguine. Joining Sanguine for this epic night will be local heroes Godstone and O’Deus.
oldbakerystudios.co.uk/whatson
2. St. Austell Band Club, St. Austell
The legendary St. Austell Band Club play host to live music every weekend. With an emphasis on rock, upcoming gigs include The Superb Blackout, Hush, and Son’s of Liberty. It’s not just a live music venue, but also a community hub with live sports and other activities taking place throughout the week.
st-austell-band-club.business.site
3. Fish Factory, Penryn
The Fish Factory in Penryn is an artist workspace, with fifteen working artist’s studios that also houses a gallery, cafe and event space, a printing area, photo studio and a darkroom. This exciting venue also programmes live music and upcoming events include The Eylelids/Taunts/Sarah Marie Tyrrell on 1 February, and Red River Dialect on 15 February.
They also host a series of workshops and exhibitions, so be sure to check out this vibrant space if you are in Penryn.
4. The Dead Famous, Newquay
This self proclaimed “liquor-fuelled late lounge” is bringing rock’n’roll back to Newquay. They will be celebrating their second birthday with a riotous party on the 1st March, expect fire juggling, great music and uproarious fun. Or join them on the 29 February for Dead Disco, a night of house music hedonism featuring heaps of glitter, big confetti moments, drag queens, voguers and club kids. Expect hectic eclectic looseness as revellers are encouraged to leave all their reservations and inhibitions at the door.
5. The Rockpool, Hayle
The Rockpool at Godrevy is set on the dramatic coastline, surrounded by cliffs and dunes. The venue has a relaxed, barefoot vibe with a varied programme of live music, feast nights, film screenings, yoga on the deck and surf competitions. Join them this spring for 50 Year Storm Unplugged on 9 February or rock and soul with the Holland Smith Family Band on the 15 February. Follow them on Facebook to find out more.
6. Lusty Glaze, Newquay
Set on the sand (and down 133 steps!) Lusty Glaze is the perfect place for relaxed sundowner events. Catch their Wood Burner and Sunday sessions to discover both emerging and established Cornish talent. Summer brings larger scale gigs, starting with the Rum and Good Times season opening party on the 22nd May.
7. Calstock Arts, Calstock
Calstock Arts is a community arts centre located in a beautifully converted Chapel on the banks of the River Tamar. Here you can find an exciting music programme from Folk to Classical, as well as explore a range of events including comedy, film, theatre, talks and exhibitions. With a fully licensed bar and pre-event food now available, Calstock Arts is a great place to while away the hours and discover something new.
8. The Watering Hole, Perranporth
The Watering Hole has evolved from beach bar to an exciting venue playing host to national bands, the hugely popular Tunes in the Dunes festivals, and more recently Bands in the Sands. Their newly announced lineup for summer includes Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, Seasick Steve, Tankus the Henge, and Sunset Sons. Find them in the middle of one of Cornwall’s finest beaches for great music and a guaranteed good time.
9. Bodmin Old Library, Bodmin
Bodmin’s old Library has been re-opened as a vibrant performance and community space. The venue programmes a range of vibrant work that’s not often seen in Cornwall. Upcoming events and gigs include The Chris Woods Groove Orchestra on 1 February or The Slinky Minsky Caberet for a different Valentine’s Day experience. Be sure to check our their live music St Petroc’s Sessions at the nearby St Petroc’s Church.
10. No.8, Launceston
N0.8 in Launceston is a thriving cafe by day and a popular evening music venue by night. Come for an intimate experience that includes Americana, electro folk and bluegrass. Keep an eye on their Music at No. 8 page to discover their latest offerings.
11. The Poly, Falmouth
Situated in the heart of Falmouth’s lively community, The Poly is a vibrant, multi-purpose art centre and community hub. Currently playing host to the Curious Puppetry Festival, upcoming live music includes duo Fran and Flora, Emilio Ayto, Rachael Dadd, and My Darling Clementine. Be sure to visit the exhibitions and shop during your visit too.
12. The Jacob's Ladder Inn, Falmouth
Cornwall’s only venue offering live music and entertainment every night! From funk bands to spoken word, unplugged sessions and open mic nights, there is something for everyone at Jacob’s Ladder. This venue is definitely worth the climb.
13. The Acorn, Penzance
The Acorn is Penzance’s favourite venue for live music and performing arts. With a reputation for innovative programming they host a huge variety of acts including theatre, dance, comedy, and film. There are 10 live music events in February alone, a diverse lineup that includes Rat, Electro Swing Circus Live, and A Night of Queen.
14. The Redruth Drapery
An exciting new venue for Redruth. Opening for special events, the Drapery is a warm and welcoming space curating surprising and unique evenings. Upcoming events combine live music and delicious food and drink; join them for INNAMORATO on 14 February and Salt House on 19 March.
facebook.com/theredruthdrapery