Craufurd Arms gets ready for the return of live music with headliners Naked Next Door and Sarpa Salpa

Live music will return to the Craufurd Arms’ stage next month with Sarpa Salpa and Naked Next Door both set to play headline gigs.

While the Wolverton venue has been operating as a pub in recent weeks, there have been no gigs since lockdown in March.

However, it’s hoped this will change in October when Northampton’s Sarpa Salpa headline on October 3 followed by Naked Next Door on October 10, Exploding Ear Ensemble on October 24 and Terrapin Trainstation on October 30.

All of the gigs will conform to coronavirus social distancing regulations, with fans seated at tables inside the venue.

Guitarist Tommy Woodward said: “It’s going to be so refreshing to be back on the stage.

“The thing we enjoy most as a band is definitely playing live and we can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on over lockdown.

“With obviously keeping to the social distancing rules, our gig shouldn’t feel too different from ordinary. It’s important that we can keep the same energy on stage but keeping safe while doing so.”

When MK indie quartet Naked Next Door headline the Craufurd Arms, it will be their first proper gig since playing the Camden Assembly in March.

Woodward is joined in Naked Next Door by singer and guitarist Euan Emerton, bassist Corin Schenks and drummer Callum Petchey.

Like many other bands, during lockdown they have been busy playing live streams to their followers across social media.

“It was frustrating at the start with not being able to do shows but we naturally got used to being stuck at home and it gave us a chance to boost our social presence,” explains Woodward.

“We are all really excited for this upcoming show as it feels like it’s been forever since we were all on the stage.”

The band is currently in the process of writing new songs for the follow up to Swerving Out Wide which was released in May.

Talking about what they are working on, Woodward adds: ““We are really excited with the next batch of songs we are creating and believe to be our best yet.”

Tickets for forthcoming gigs at the Craufurd Arms are only being sold as a group of four and only two households or members of the same social bubble can share a table.

Tickets to Sarpa Salpa’s gig on October 3 are sold out.

Tickets to Naked Next Door’s gig on Saturday, October 10, cost £34.50 for a group of four. Support is by Enjoyable Listens.

Looking ahead to next month’s gig, Woodward said: “We want to see as many of you as possible.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for people who have been stuck inside for so long to get out and enjoy live music again.

“Despite it not being quite like how it used too, it’ll be a start.

“There’s limited benches for four left so please grab one with your mates if you can. We will see you there.”

Ahead of October’s gigs, the venue is hosting a record fair on Sunday, September 27.

For full details, visit https://www.thecraufurdarms.com