Esquires set to reopen next month with socially distanced gigs

After being closed for more than half of 2020 because of the coronavirus, live music will return to the venue in November.
Esquires in Bedford will be re-opening with socially distanced gigs next month.Esquires in Bedford will be re-opening with socially distanced gigs next month.
Esquires in Bedford will be re-opening with socially distanced gigs next month.

Former Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley and blues rockers Pearl Handled Revolver will play headline gigs at Esquires next month when live music returns to its main stage for the first time in eight months for a series of ‘socially distanced’ gigs.

The Bedford venue has been closed since the music industry was plunged into crisis following Government restrictions on live performances due to the coronavirus.

However, from November it will be holding a series of seated shows at the weekend, beginning with Pearl Handled Revolver on Friday, November 6 and Tom Hingley on Saturday, November 7.

Esquires owner Gareth Barber said: “After what will have been eight months of closure, Esquires will finally be reopening its doors in November for some select, socially distanced shows.

“These past months have been incredibly testing for everyone, not just us.

“It's been made all the more bearable by the love and support we have felt from the community around the venue and your encouragement.

“We want to see you all again and believe that we can run seated, socially distanced events in a safe and controlled environment.”

Earlier this year the venue raised more than £50,000 in donations through a Crowdfunder appeal which, like other independent venues across the country, has helped it pay ongoing costs.

However, with no immediate end in sight to changes brought about by Covid-19, venues are still hoping for support from the Government’s previously announced £1.57bn cultural recovery fund.

Mr Barber added: “Opening back up will help secure the jobs of the staff as furlough ends and we hope it will kick start the road to recovery as we await the decision over our application to the cultural recovery fund from Arts Council England.

“Following current guidelines, we will be announcing a run of weekend shows from November until the end of the year.

“Thank you for everything and your help in keeping the venue stable over these last few months, let's move forward as one - we can't wait to see you.”

Because of the nature of the venue’s socially distanced shows, Crowdfunder Gold, Silver and Pledger Legends cards cannot be used.

Tickets are only being sold as groups of four and cost £40. There will be no ticket sales on the door. More shows will be announced in the coming weeks.

Last month, award winning illustrator David Litchfield completed a mural on the wall at Esquires to thank the hundreds of people who had contributed towards its crowdfunding appeal.

For full details, visit http://www.bedfordesquires.co.uk

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