Saving Esquires

Aim

Protecting the future Bedford Esquires, one of the UK's best loved independent grassroots music venues during the Covid-19 crisis.

Who are We?!
We are Esquires in Bedford! Until recently we were a thriving, independently owned and run live music venue and events space. The venue has been offering the people of Bedford and beyond live music since 1984, with the name Esquires attached to the building in 1990. In 2016, with the venue in a bit of a state of repair, it was taken over by Gareth Barber from local promoters 'The Pad Presents' and has seen extensive investment and modernisation. Improvements to the PA, lighting systems, event spaces and more have helped firmly establish the venue back on the touring circuit, reaching the final 3 of the 'best small music venue' category at the UK Live awards in 2019.

As many people connected to Esquires know, the use of a Crowdfunding initiative was one of the last things we wanted to have to do. We hoped that the government support alone would get us through the Covid-19 crisis, but as time goes on it is quite clear that we need to call upon people who support us year round to help us get through this. This summer was meant to be our 30th anniversary celebration, but along with many other venues and small businesses, we find ourselves in an emergency, with our stock waste alone coming in over £10K. It's become very clear recently that music venues will be one of the very last businesses to be able to reopen and the possible restrictions that will come with it could be severely damaging to the long term future of the venue. As it stands we will not be able to make it past mid - late June without your help and support.

We have been truly humbled and overwhelmed by the messages of support we have received since the shutdown. Along with our group of dedicated promoters, we have always tried to put on as many special events in and around the town as we can. At Esquires, the aim was always to try and make us a venue that the town could be proud of, and we firmly believe that 'Bedford Isn't Sh*t' and it's the people that make the town and it's the people we are having to call on now. We know that we are not the only business in trouble right now, but any support you can offer will be greatly appreciated now and forever.

How can you get involved?
Take a look at some of our great supporter rewards and please pledge whatever you can. Our belief is that the venue is an important cultural hub for emerging artists and we consistently punch above our weight for the size and location of the venue. Some of the artists to have come out of Esquires and Bedford and gone on to tour nationally include Don Broco, Tom Grennan, CC Smugglers, Alfie Templeman, The Pecadiloes, The Quireboys, Wolf People, The Wholls, The Scruff, Pearl Handled Revolver and many more.

Our notable guests are too many to mention, but include Muse, Supergrass, Wolf Alice, Royal Blood, DMA's, Bloc Party, The Damned, Metronomy, KRS One, Roni Size, Idles, The Libertines, Franz Ferdinand, Lizzo, Mogwai, Marc Almond, Kate Tempest, Coldplay, Biffy Clyro, Evan Dando, Thurston Moore, The Mission, Fat White Family, Alt-J, Ash, Skindred, The Murder Captial, Enter Shikari, Shed Seven, Elbow, Elastica, Public Service Broadcasting, Ezra Furman, Sleaford Mods, The Sugarhill Gang and many, many more.

*Please note that any excess money raised from this crowdfunder will go into supporting live music events and artists that are Bedford based. We will also be continuing to support our dedicated bar staff, promoters, sound and lighting engineers and security through this time too.

Big love to everyone and stay safe x

This project successfully funded on 3rd June 2020