Live Music Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Live Music Venues in London

London’s live music venues have always played a huge role in supporting British music.

Pubs form the bedrock of London’s local music scene, with bars, music clubs and festival venues also providing space for emerging and established performers. Small music venues are especially important for unsigned bands and musicians looking to start their live careers, as they’re an essential platform from which talent can grow.

Whether you’re planning a gig, concert or festival, Tagvenue is here to make your life a little easier – just check out our collection of London’s best pubs, music bars, gig venues, outdoor event spaces, venues with a stage, entertainment venues and arenas. Our smart venue search engine allows you to enquire online 24/7 and compare quotes from your preferred venues.

Tickets sold out many weeks in advance, extensive social media coverage, a lot of buzz in the media – this is probably the perfect scenario for the concert you’re organising. Finding the right concert venue is an essential part of the plan and Tagvenue is here to help you with that task, no matter if you’re searching for a concert hall in central London, a pub for a small performance or a place for a punk gig in Camden Town.

Before scouting for a venue, come up with a few workable dates you’d be happy with for your show (and if you’re in a band, make sure everyone’s on board with your choices). To give yourself the best chance of a good turnout, remember to check what else is going on that week (especially music events of the same genre, as well as local and national sporting events). You should also aim to book your venue as early as you can, as this will give you more time to organise equipment rental as well as promote your event.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential spaces, organise a handful of site visits so you can get a feel for the venues and the way they’re managed.

Things to consider when hiring a live music venue:

• Your budget

• The location you’d like the venue to be located in (east London, west London, the heart of the city, etc.)

• Whether the type of music you play is a natural fit for that venue (i.e. don’t have a metal gig in a jazz venue)

• The age demographic of your audience (if your audience consists largely of teenagers, there’s no point booking an 18+ venue)

• The maximum capacity of the venue (remember to look for a venue you can fill – it’s always better to sell out a 200-capacity room than play a 500-capacity venue and have it two-thirds empty)

• Whether the venue has enough floor space/suitable staging (make sure the staging can safely support everything that will be happening in your show)

• Whether the lighting is up to scratch

• Whether the venue employs a professional sound engineer, and what the venue will provide technically

• Whether the venue has a green room

• Whether the venue has secure parking for a bus or van

• Whether the venue is going to do anything to promote your show (as well as what promo you’re expected to do yourself)

• Whether the venue sells advanced tickets (and if you can get them set up for your show)

• What time you can load-in and soundcheck

• What time you can you open the door

• What time your show needs to end

• Whether the venue has any special rules

• Whether there’s any flexibility in the hire fee

• Whether the venue has a good reputation with both patrons and performers

London’s live music circuit is an integral part of the cultural scene in the UK. If you’re planning a show in the city for the first time and aren’t quite sure where to start, read on for some top tips and tricks.

Tips for organising a live music gig, festival or performance:

• Introduce yourself to the sound engineer and door staff, and check with them throughout your event to make sure things are running smoothly.

• If more than one band or performer is playing, schedule the most popular act to play last and the least popular act to play first.

• Establish your gear requirements (if several bands are playing, check whether they can share some of their gear).

• Leave fifteen minutes between each performance for setting up (and prepare music to play during the breaks).

• If you’re planning an outdoor event, make a backup plan in case of rain.

• Purchase event insurance.

No matter if you’re into electronica or Balkan folk, planning an open mic night or a summer music festival, or you’re an up-and-coming DJ or budding music promoter booking your first gig, there’s a live music venue in London that’s just right for you. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to spend an evening enjoying some awesome tunes!

Picking Just the Right Size

When organising a live music event in London, one of the key decisions you'll face is selecting the right venue size. This choice can significantly impact the atmosphere, audience engagement, and overall vibe of your event. Here's a guide to help you navigate your options, from cosy small venues to grand theatres, ensuring your event hits the right note.

• Understanding Your Audience: Start by estimating your audience size. Consider your target demographic, the popularity of the act, and your promotional reach. A smaller, more intimate venue may be perfect for a niche genre or a talented up-and-coming artist, building a connection between the performers and the audience. For more established acts, or if you expect a larger crowd, consider medium to large event venues to accommodate everyone comfortably.
• Genre and Atmosphere: The music genre and desired atmosphere also play a crucial role in choosing the venue size. Acoustic sets, jazz, and folk music often benefit from the cosiness of smaller venues, where every note resonates more personally with the audience. Conversely, rock, electronic, and pop genres may call for a larger venue that can support elaborate stage setups and light shows, amplifying the energy and allowing the crowd to immerse fully in the performance. And, of course, maybe even some space to dance?
• Venue Acoustics and Layout: Acoustics can make or break a live music event. Smaller venues often offer warmer, more controlled acoustics, ideal for acoustic performances and genres where clarity and nuance are paramount. Larger venues, equipped with advanced sound systems and acoustical engineering, can handle the robust sound requirements of louder, high-energy performances. Always consider the venue's layout too - its stage visibility, standing or seating arrangements, and overall flow, ensuring it aligns with your event's atmosphere and audience's comfort.
• Budget Considerations: Budget is a critical factor; larger venues often come with higher rental fees but potentially more revenue through ticket sales, if you’re planning a commercial event. Assess your budget, considering not just the rental cost but also production expenses like sound, lighting, security, and additional staff. Smaller venues, while potentially more budget-friendly, may limit revenue opportunities due to their smaller capacity.
• Flexibility and Extras: Some venues offer more than just space! They come with in-house sound engineers, equipment, and even promotional support. These extras can be invaluable, especially for larger venues where coordinating these elements independently can be daunting. However, don't overlook smaller venues that offer flexibility, allowing you to tailor the space creatively and often more willing to collaborate closely to make your event a success.

Choosing the right venue size is about finding the perfect balance between your artistic vision, audience expectations, and practical considerations. Luckily, London's live music scene is diverse, offering spaces for every type of event imaginable. Whether you opt for the charm of a small pub or the grandeur of a concert hall, thorough planning and understanding of your event's needs will ensure you select a venue that not only fits but brings your live music experience to another level!

FAQs about Live Music Venues in London

What are ways to hire a cheap live music venue in London?

Hiring a live music venue in London may seem like an expensive undertaking, but it certainly does not have to be. There are a variety of venues around London that are capable of hosting a live music event, all of which are conveniently located on Tagvenue. We have curated a list of some amazing live music venues across just about every price point, so you will be able to find one that fits your budget.

Where are the best live music venues in London?

Live music venues are all over the city, but you are going to love the ones you will find in Stockwell. If you are looking for something a bit more centrally located, then you should browse our listings in Soho or Central London. And if something more off the beaten track is what you have in mind, then consider a venue in Loughborough.

What should be included in a live music venue?

Live music venues should always include professional audio equipment, ample lighting, and staff who know how to use the gear. On top of this, a stage is always important, and if your event calls for it, seating. Keep in mind that many people attending concerts will want some drinks, so having a bar is a huge plus for your show.

When should I hire a live music venue in London?

The ideal time to hire a London live music venue will depend on several factors. Weekends, particularly Fridays and Saturdays, tend to be popular for live music events, as more people are likely to attend and stay out later. However, if you're looking to secure a venue at a lower cost, consider booking on a weekday, such as a Thursday, when demand may be lower.

In terms of the time of year, London hosts numerous music festivals and events during the summer months, drawing large crowds and potentially increasing competition for venue bookings. As a result, prices for live music spaces may be higher during this time. Conversely, the winter months, particularly January and February, are typically quieter in the live music scene, offering more availability and potentially better rates for venue hire.