Top 5

Free Music Events in London

Melanie McGovern | Thursday 4 November, 2010 13:13

With us all becoming slowly more impoverished what with it getting to the Christmas present buying time of the year and wacking the heating up a notch or two, Snipe thought to share some of the best regular free music events across the capital to keep us all merry.

1. Daylight Music @ Union Chapel – Saturdays at 12 midday
Union Chapel sure put on a host of amazing music, film and comedy in the evenings but Daylight Music does just what it says on the tin by providing a free dose of Saturday soundtracks to those of us determined enough to get out of bed before midday. So blitz away that Friday night hangover with a mug of tea and a musical affair at Islington’s Gothic church. Arctic Circle are producing the line-up of artists ranging from ambient sound art to psych-folk and post-rock. There couldn’t be anything more cosy to do on a blustery Saturday.

2. Mind the Gap @ Carnivale – Saturdays, Monthly
Keen to catch the latest homegrown talent? Mind the Gap’s gigs are culturally and artistically diverse and held at a fab venue in Aldgate – all the events Carnivale hosts are free infact! Run by a friendly bunch and organised by the young people of East London the scheme aims to build the creative core of London’s community by getting the young involved in putting on events.

3. Instores @ Rough Trade East, Weekday Evenings
Of course this would be on here, and obvious it may be, but surely a Rough Trade instore is something all Londoners must tick off their to-do lists. The fact that they’re hugely popular goes without saying; as does the fact that you need to get there sharpish to get in – it is little hassle for a free event. Plus; after an evening of free music you won’t feel so guilty when you proceed to spend £50 on albums and coffee post-performance.

4. Rota @ Notting Hill Arts Club – 4-8pm Saturdays, Weekly
I can’t mention these instores without mentioning the outstores. Independently organised and supporting young local record labels, music sites and club nights, they provide a homely, amiable atmosphere. The happy hour drinks help too.

5. The Station Sessions @ St. Pancras, Weekly
Free music in strange places. Once a week for an hour over the summer St Pancras offered musicians a platform (quite literally) for which to entertain commuters and convince us all that getting on that crowded train at 6pm was too much like hard work. A vast array of performers is promised to return for the third season. Good acoustics too!

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