Live Music Venues in London

If you’ve always dreamed about getting into events and promoting the local and new bands that you love and care about, then sometimes the best way to do so is just by diving in and learning on the job. Of course, it takes a lot to organise your first gig, so you’re going to need to think and plan a lot to make sure you get the logistics right. After every successful event, you’ll learn more about the best ways to keep both bands and audience happy. To help you bring your first event together, we’ve created this step-by-step guide to get you started.

Step 1: Time to Think About Money

What type of a budget you have to spend is the first thing that you need to consider. After all, the bands will need to be paid, and you might need to pay for venue hire. While you can of course recoup this in ticket sales, generating enough isn’t always guaranteed, particularly when it’s the first time you’ve hosted a gig. You will need to be realistic with yourself and with others about how much you have to spend, taking into account the worst-case scenarios. Once you have a figure in your head, you can move on to the rest of the planning.

Step 2: Time to Talk to Venues

Getting a venue on board with your plans will be your next step. You’ll need to be honest with them about your budget, but many are willing to listen to any idea that will bring in more punters to their premises. If your first gig goes well, they might even give you a regular slot on the bill. There are music venues for hire in London throughout the city, so find one that suits you locally that you know will draw in the crowds. Some venues can even be hired on a minimum spend basis, which means that so long as the audience spends a certain amount at the bar, you won’t be charged for room rental at all.

Step 3: Time to Talk to Bands

Now that you have a venue secured, it’s time to talk to potential acts for your first gig. Maybe you know some of the bands and singers personally and so have mentioned that you’d like to host a gig before, but even if you haven’t, now is the time to set all of the details down in stone. If you’re lucky, some may be happy to play for free, however many artists expect some form of payment and it’s their right to receive it for all of their hard work. The size of the venue you’ve booked will change who you ask to play. For new, local artists, a small pub or club is perfect, and they’ll be happier to have a gig to play and to get their name out there.

Step 4: Time to Promote

The power of the internet can never be underestimated when it comes to promoting a music gig. Share the details far and wide, and let everyone know where it is, what time is starts, who’s playing and how much it costs. Having a promotion on for the first few people through the door will encourage everyone to turn up early. Head to the different local music groups and share your event there as well. Of course, if you have the budget for it, printing out a basic poster and having it up in the venue as well as other local bars and music clubs in the area will help as well. Yet at this stage, social media is really going to be the marketing tool that you will most rely on the get your first gig up and running.

Step 5: Time to Talk Tech

If you’ve done your research and asked the right questions when hiring your venue, then you’ll know what type of sound system is available to you. This has to be one of the most important things to the success of any music gig. If the sound system isn’t up to scratch, none of the audience will return for a second gig. This is why looking into well known clubs and pubs may stand to you in the long run. You will need to get a list of all of the equipment that each band is bringing with them, and what they need on the night. Having a good sound technician is of course a must. Sometimes they will be recommended by the venue, and sometimes you’ll have to find your own. Having all the bands down for the sound test to check on everything is also something that can’t be missed.

Step 6: Time to Timeline

For any event, you need a timeline of when things are to happen, and a music gig is no different. Of course, things can get delayed, but sticking to the times that you have listed will give you a reputation for being punctual and your audience will respect that. Make sure you know what time everything needs to shut down by and follow that completely or you’ll soon find yourself without a venue. Having a detailed timeline for when everyone is to arrive, when soundcheck is, what time doors are opening at, and so on, will help with the logistics of the whole event. Everything will run much smoother with in in hand.

Whether you’re planning a one-off gig, or you hope that it’s to be one of many, your first music event will always be nerve-wracking. Make sure that you take the time to enjoy the bands that you’ve brought together on the night and have a chat to them all afterwards. Always be open to feedback on anything that could be improved upon, and you might find yourself hosting your next gig a lot sooner than you might think.

What is a music venue?

A music venue is any location that can be used to host music events. And, if you are looking for the perfect music venue in London, you will be pleased to hear that you won’t be short of options. Music venues range in size and location, and you’ll find them in a whole host of different settings, including arenas, concert halls, opera houses, night clubs, outdoor spaces, railway arches, pubs, bandshells, coffee houses, and more. An increasing number of music venues also play host to other events, offering food, performance art, and other social activities.

Why choose a music venue in London?

It goes without saying that London has one of the most vibrant and exciting music scenes in the world, drawing in performers and spectators from all corners of the globe. Home to a catalogue of diverse music venues that push boundaries and offer attendees unique musical experiences, choosing a music venue in London is always a good idea! Over the years, music venues have continued to flourish throughout the capital and many of them are available to hire for your music event or any other event in London.

Why do people hire a music venue?

There are lots of reasons why people choose to hire a music venue for their event. Perfect for showcasing a wide range of performances, concerts, shows, comedy nights, up and coming acts, unsigned bands, as well as some of the world’s best-known artists, music venues are perfectly equipped to accommodate all of your event needs. In many of London’s music venues, you’ll find features such as world class acoustics, stage facilities, special effects, as well as the versatility to adapt your event to meet your requirements. The venue you choose may also be able to provide bar, door and security staff, as well as event planners, if needed. After all, it’s all hands-on deck when it comes to planning a music event!

How many music venues can be found in London?

The capital has countless music venues, many of which are available to hire upon request. Some of the most high-profile music venues in London include: • Wembley Stadium • Alexandra Palace • The Royal Albert Hall • Eventim Apollo • The O2 • SSE Wembley Arena • Apollo • Roundhouse, Camden • Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre As well as a number of high profile events, the capital is also home to a number of quirky intimate music venues that are perfect for smaller, low key events.

How to plan a music event?

Planning a music venue can be challenging if you’re not prepared or don’t know where to start! If you’re planning a music event, here are some of our top tips: • Set your budget and stick to it! • Find the right venue with the capacity to accommodate your guests comfortably and safely • Sign up bands and artists • Plan equipment including acoustics, lighting and special effects • Consider event logistics When looking for an event venue, make sure that you visit venues in person to really get a feel for them - never rely on photographs.