The Picturedrome gets ready to welcome back live music this week

Live music is returning to The Picturedrome on Friday after a series of successful socially distanced trials.

Since lockdown in March, the Northampton venue, like others across the country, has been unable to host its regular events in the normal way.

Following two trials and a streamed fundraiser, the first of seven gigs kicks off on Friday with more performances throughout the month.

Chris D’alessio, who runs the venue with Suzy Keeping, said: “It feels amazing to be able to open our doors again.

“Yes, the capacity is 20 per cent of what it would normally be but it’s still a great feeling.

“The approach we took was to get local artists performing again.

“Usually, The Picturedrome books a lot of national bands but we feel now is a time to concentrate on local.

“Some of these artists haven’t been able to get a gig since March so we are very happy to be able to offer this to them.

“We have also put on a couple of tributes, these are not our usual tributes but they have come forward when we asked for help.”

On Friday, Duncan Craven, Tom Clayton and Frettlyst will play before Tu-Kay & Ryan, Craig Gould, Bethany Munroe and Broadway Twisters play the following night.

There are 24 acts set to play on Fridays and Saturdays during October.

Mr D’alessio added: “We would love for the public to come down and watch them, all of the ticket sales that are generated will be going to all of the artists equally.

“Some of these artists haven’t made any money for over six months so we are doing what we can to help them. So please support them.”

All of the performances will conform to Government social distancing regulations, with the capacity of the venue reduced to around 100 people who will be seated.

Music on Fridays is from 6pm and from 3pm on Saturdays.

Tables for two, three, four or six people can be booked depending on availability via the venue’s website.

For more information and to book a table please visit https://thepicturedrome.seetickets.com/venue/the-picturedrome-northampton/6041/list

October’s live music line up:

Friday, October 9

Duncan Craven

Tom Clayton

Frettlyst

Saturday, October 10

Tu-Kay & Ryan

Craig Gould

Bethany Munroe

Broadway Twisters

Friday, October 16

Joe Corkram

Mr Bon Jovi – Live and Unplugged

UK Duran Duran

Saturday, October 17

Jordan Herbert

Fruzey Suite

Tim Winstone

Abba Honey Honey

Saturday, October 24

Shaun Gibbs

Stripped Back

Emily Faye

Six Feet Apart

Saturday, October 30

Keiron Farrow

Dhil & Anna Jaichner

Ramblin Preachers