Local music reporter Vicki McCarthy previews hot gigs in June and July.
As I write this column, we’re edging ever closer to the month of June.
Officially the start of summer, June also historically kicks off the UK festival season, with Download and Glastonbury usually starting proceedings. And in 2021, June sees the official return of live music, as we emerge from lockdown.
So, with much excitement, I wanted to share the plans of four of our most popular live music venues, as they come back with a bang!
MK11 Live Music Venue
At the start of 2020, MK11 had opened a brand-new second stage and bar, enabling the venue to host two gigs simultaneously.
This addition to MK11 barely had the chance to be appreciated when the venue’s doors were forced to close due to the first lockdown.
On Friday 25 June, those doors will be flung back open for what’s being hailed as ‘The Big Reunion’, where live music and a DJ will be the order of the evening, for the princely sum of £5.
On the night, Francis will be providing (I’m reliably informed) a live set of “absolute bangers”, supported by an array of special guests throughout the night to sate the appetites of gig-goers.
With a late licence already procured, the music will continue into the wee, small hours, courtesy of a packed DJ set.
The Craufurd Arms
Wolverton-based pub and live music venue The Craufurd Arms also has exciting plans afoot. With its events diary filling up, there is much to look forward to at the venue.
But one that caught my eye was the announcement of Foo Fighters GB taking to the stage on Saturday 10 July. Celebrating the Foo Fighters in full volume, the band have quickly established themselves as one of the most talked about tributes to the Foo Fighters.
And they are looking forward to raising the roof in Wolverton this summer, with a set-list that will delight die-hard Foo Fighters’ fans and newbies alike.
Tickets are on sale now, priced at £10. But be quick, it’s likely to sell out.
Unit Nine
If Classic House is more your thing, then you best be getting your dancing shoes on, as Unit Nine has it in spades on Saturday 3 July, with the venue welcoming Ibiza favourite and all-round legend Tall Paul.
One of the stalwarts of the UK music scene, Tall Paul has been filling dancefloors across the globe for nearly 30 years, playing at the greats, from Cream, to Gatecrasher, Clockwork Orange, and Ministry of Sound, to name but a few.
So, to see – and hear – him plying his trade in the beautifully urban confines of Unit Nine is sure to be a real treat this year.
Tickets are just £15 and on sale now.
The Stables
Born out of humble beginnings, The Stables was first developed from converted outbuildings at the home of Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine, with the first performance taking place on Friday 6 February 1970.
Despite recent challenges, the venue is still going strong and on Friday 30 July it plays host to a night of Northern Soul, with tickets priced at £26.
The late, great Edwin Starr’s band The Team will be performing, alongside a special guest, northern soul virtuoso Lorraine Silver.
Expect soul and Motown hits including Agent 00 Soul, 25 Miles, Stop Her on Sight, Landslide, War, Eye to Eye Contact and many more.
So, take your pick, our local music venues need your support more than ever.
