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Find a Band in Portsmouth
Book a Portsmouth band direct - Southsea rock rooms, North End covers pubs, and function acts for Hampshire weddings on the coast. 4 Portsmouth acts are on GigXchange, and band hire here starts from about £250 (GX Index).
Updated 27 October 2026
Find a band in Portsmouth — book, sign and pay in one place
Find a Band in Portsmouth: the Short Answer
A band in Portsmouth costs from about £250 for a 3–4 piece band at a pub or bar - the South East median fee acts take home, from 58 fees on the GX Index; quotes can run higher once travel, PA and set length are added. 4 Portsmouth acts have a GigXchange profile and 9 Portsmouth venues list live music.
| What it costs · £250 3–4 piece bandSouth East take-home median · 58 fees |
| On GigXchange · 4 Portsmouth actswith a profile you can browse |
| Venues listed · 9 Portsmouth venuesputting on live music |
| If they cancel · Rescue a replacement fastGX Gig Rescue invites available acts |
Bands You Can Book in Portsmouth
You will find them working Southsea, Fratton and North End. For a pub or bar, start with self-contained acts that bring their own PA and play two 45-minute sets.
Bands Available for Gigs in Portsmouth
Every act here is a band or musician available for gigs in Portsmouth: the availability calendar on each profile shows the dates they are free. Listen to the audio, read the reviews, then message two or three and agree the fee in chat - the contract and payment are handled in one place. The full process is in how to book live music.
| Browse all Portsmouth acts | |
| How to book live music |
Who's Available This Weekend in Portsmouth
Here is who we have available in Portsmouth this weekend: 4 of our 4 Portsmouth acts have nothing booked or blocked on Saturday 31 October in their GigXchange calendar. Message an act to confirm your night.
Nothing booked or blocked Booked or unavailable
Calendars checked Sat 31 Oct, 23:01
| Post a gig | |
| Act cancelled? Gig Rescue |
What Our Portsmouth Acts Play
Rock leads Portsmouth's roster with 2 acts, then celtic / irish (1) and comedy / spoken word (1). 4 local acts list 9 styles on their profiles - these are the top 8. Where a style has its own hire guide, the link opens it: line-ups, fees and what to agree with the act.
| # | Style | Acts |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Rock | 2 |
| 02 | Celtic / Irish | 1 |
| 03 | Comedy / Spoken Word | 1 |
| 04 | Folk | 1 |
| 05 | Gospel / Christian | 1 |
| 06 | Metal | 1 |
| 07 | Other | 1 |
| 08 | Pop | 1 |
What you'll pay for a band in Portsmouth
Fees for pubs and bars in Portsmouth run from about £250 for a 3–4 piece band at a pub or bar to £2,206 for a 5+ piece band at a wedding - South East medians of what acts take home. Line-up, set length and travel move a quote above these; the figures update nightly from the GX Index.
| Pub or bar · solo actmiddle 50% £200–£330 · South East · 23 fees | £325 |
| Pub or bar · duomiddle 50% £250–£500 · UK · 93 fees | £325 |
| Pub or bar · 3–4 piece bandmiddle 50% £120–£400 · South East · 58 fees | £250 |
| Pub or bar · 5+ piece bandmiddle 50% £360–£525 · South East · 55 fees | £425 |
| Wedding · 3–4 piece bandmiddle 50% £962–£1,442 · South East · 58 fees | £1,202 |
| Wedding · 5+ piece bandmiddle 50% £1,696–£2,250 · South East · 27 fees | £2,206 |
| Submit your rate | |
| See the UK gig rates |
Finding a Band in Portsmouth — What You Need to Know
What works at Thatchers, The Pelham Arms and The Admiral Drake tells you a lot about Portsmouth's rooms. Match the act to the room size, the crowd and the night: covers fill a pub, originals bring their own following.
| Pubs & BarsPortsmouth's pub gigs cluster in Southsea and North End. The Loft and the Rail Social Club in Fratton book rock, metal and punk, Thatchers in North End runs covers nights on Fridays and Saturdays, and The Admiral Drake and The Pelham Arms lean acoustic and open-stage. |
| Restaurants & HotelsWaterfront restaurants and hotels book acoustic and singer-songwriter players for evenings - the regulars from North End's acoustic nights. |
| Weddings & Private EventsHampshire coast weddings want bands that can play a long night by the water - Portsmouth's covers and party acts work Southsea and the harbour venues all summer. Confirm set times and travel in chat. |
Which Type of Band Fits Your Room?
Cover, pub, function, tribute — what each one is, what it costs in Portsmouth, and who books it.
| Cover BandsThe default for pubs and bars — recognisable songs, full room. A covers act typically plays two 45-minute sets. |
| Pub BandsRock, blues and indie acts working the Portsmouth pub circuit week in, week out — own PA, self-contained, used to small stages. |
| Function BandsBigger line-ups for weddings, corporate dinners and parties - size and set length set the fee. |
| Tribute & OriginalsTribute nights fill rooms on otherwise quiet evenings; original acts bring their own following. Both book direct on GigXchange. |
Four Checks Before You Book
| Hear them livePlay a live video or live recording on the act's profile, not just a studio track - that is how they will sound in your room. |
| Reviews from nights like yoursRead what reviews say about nights like yours - a pub night, a wedding or a party - not just the star rating. |
| Set list, PA and timingsGet the set list and set times in writing, and confirm who brings the PA, the floor space needed and when they arrive to set up. |
| Put it in the contractAgree the fee and the times, and read the cancellation terms in the GigXchange booking agreement, before you confirm. |
How to Book a Band on GIGXCHANGE
3 steps. About 5 minutes from signup to first booking: post your gig, review the acts who apply, then book with a contract and your payment held until after the gig.
| 01 | ListingPost your gigFill in 5 details: date, venue, genre, budget, set length. The listing is live immediately, visible to every artist in the GigXchange network — takes about 5 minutes, no agency handling the hand-off. |
| 02 | ShortlistReview applicationsActs apply with profile, tracks, reviews and availability all visible. Start a direct chat with shortlisted acts to confirm details before committing, and compare them side by side rather than tab-switching. |
| 03 | BookingBook and pay securelyOnce the fee’s signed off, a digital contract is auto-generated for both parties in under 1 minute. Funds are held securely via Stripe and released 5 days after the event completes. Ratings post from both sides when the booking closes. |
Agree the Terms in Writing
| Agree the brief and the terms in writing - the date, set times, fee, deposit, cancellation and what the price includes. Who brings the PA, the stage space and the power - written into the contract so nobody guesses on the night. Many venues ask acts for public liability insurance. Musicians’ Union members are covered to £10 million each with their membership. If the act drops out: GX Gig Rescue sends an urgent invite to available acts near you. The first to accept is booked. |
Band Cancelled? Find a Replacement in Portsmouth
Emergency band replacement without ringing round an agency out of hours - Gig Rescue sends your night to acts who are free that evening, and the first to accept is booked.
Every GigXchange profile carries a live availability calendar, so you’re only ever looking at acts who can actually make your date. Message shortlisted bands directly, agree the fee in chat, and the contract and payment are handled in one place — realistic to turn around same-week, often same-day.
| 01 | The datePick the gig that fell through, or tell it the night. |
| 02 | The call-outUp to 25 free acts invited at once. |
| 03 | The show goes onThe other invites close the moment one act accepts. |
| Rescue this gig — broadcast to available bands | |
| Browse available Portsmouth bands |
Bands by Area in Portsmouth
Portsmouth's live music clusters in Southsea, Fratton, North End and Port Solent & the Harbour, with 9 Portsmouth venues listing live music on GigXchange. Knowing the area tells you the sound - and which acts already play there.
| SouthseaThe Loft and Rapscallions Southsea - rock, metal and live bars a short walk from the seafront. |
| FrattonThe Rail Social Club is the area's punk, metal and rock room. |
| North EndThatchers, The Admiral Drake and The Pelham Arms book covers, acoustic and open-stage nights. |
| Port Solent & the HarbourMarina bars like Rapscallions Port Solent suit relaxed acoustic sets and private parties. |
Portsmouth Venues Listing Live Music
| ThatchersNorth End |
| The Pelham ArmsNorth End |
| The Admiral DrakeNorth End |
| Pitt St SkateparkPortsmouth · c. 6,000 capacity |
| Portsmouth Guildhallc. 2,200 capacity |
| Portsmouth Rail Social ClubFratton · c. 120 capacity |
12 — Questions12 answersFrequently asked questions
Bands in PortsmouthLocal
Browse and compare local bands in Portsmouth. Find the right band for your Portsmouth event.
Browse Portsmouth artists and bands
Compare styles, set lengths and fees
Message and book direct — no middlemen
Two-way verified reviews
Free to browse — 5% only on protected payments
| Browse Portsmouth bands | |
| Post a gig | |
| Find out more | |
| Post a gig |
Portsmouth GigsLive
Upcoming gigs in Portsmouth — the local directory. What's on in Portsmouth — the local gig directory.
One-off gigs at indie venues and community stages
Sorted by date, refreshed continuously
Free and ticketed shows both listed
Every gig links its venue
| Portsmouth gigs | |
| UK gig directory | |
| Find out more | |
| Join free |
Portsmouth VenuesLocal
Grassroots venues, pubs and stages in Portsmouth. Capacity, backline and booking contacts for Portsmouth venues.
Grassroots venues, pubs and stages
Capacity and backline specs where known
Re-verified on a rolling cycle
Claim your venue to keep it current
| Portsmouth venues | |
| Live music for pubs | |
| Live music for hotels | |
| Live music for care homes | |
| Live music for clubs | |
| Live music for holiday parks | |
| Live music for boats | |
| For venues | |
| Find out more | |
| Post a gig |
Portsmouth Open MicsWeekly
Free stage time — Portsmouth open mic nights. Just starting out? Portsmouth open mic nights, re-verified on a rolling cycle.
Weekly open mic nights across Portsmouth
Filter by night of the week
Free stage time — walk in, sign up, play
The grassroots pipeline to paid gigs
| Portsmouth open mics | |
| UK open mic finder | |
| Find out more | |
| Join free |
Guides & RatesFree
How to book and what to pay in Portsmouth. Everything you need before you book a band in Portsmouth.
How to book live music
Live median fees on the GigXchange Index
Written for venues and event planners
| Portsmouth rates | |
| How to book | |
| UK gig rates | |
| Find out more | |
| Join free |
More resources for Portsmouth's live music scene - the fee guides, venue lists, gig listings and how-to guides that sit alongside this page, all free to read.
| Live Music in PortsmouthThe full Portsmouth scene — venues, audiences and the local live-music calendar. | |
| Upcoming Gigs in PortsmouthThe Portsmouth gig calendar. | |
| Portsmouth VenuesPortsmouth rooms that book live music. | |
| Open Mics in PortsmouthPortsmouth's weekly open mic nights. | |
| Gig RescueAct cancelled? Send your date to available acts nearby and fill it fast. | |
| UK Gig RatesWhat UK acts actually charge by event type - median fees from the live GigXchange Index. |
| Live music in Portsmouth | |
| How to book live music |
| Venues in Portsmouth | |
| Open mics in Portsmouth | |
| Upcoming gigs in Portsmouth |
| NYE Bands & DJs | |
| Awards Night & Black-Tie Bands | |
| Festival Season Bands | |
| Valentine's Day Bands | |
| Summer Wedding Bands |
| How to book a musician in the UK | |
| Hiring a wedding band in London | |
| Booking platforms compared |
Share what you charged or paid — anonymous, under a minute. 3 rates unlocks 30 days of UK fee trends.
| Add your rate |
Artists within 30 miles of Portsmouth.
| Search bands near Portsmouth |
| What it pays | |
| What to know | |
| FAQs | |
| Browse bands | |
| Post a gig |
Ready to find a band in Portsmouth?
Post a gig for free, no card on file. Membership is free, and we are keeping it free permanently for the first 250 sign-ups. Open alpha, you’re early.
Find a Band in Portsmouth
Book a Portsmouth band direct - Southsea rock rooms, North End covers pubs, and function acts for Hampshire weddings on the coast. 4 Portsmouth acts are on GigXchange, and band hire here starts from about £250 (GX Index).
Last updated: 27 October 2026
Find a Band in Portsmouth: the Short Answer
A band in Portsmouth costs from about £250 for a 3–4 piece band at a pub or bar - the South East median fee acts take home, from 58 fees on the GX Index; quotes can run higher once travel, PA and set length are added. 4 Portsmouth acts have a GigXchange profile and 9 Portsmouth venues list live music.
Bands You Can Book in Portsmouth
You will find them working Southsea, Fratton and North End. For a pub or bar, start with self-contained acts that bring their own PA and play two 45-minute sets.
Bands Available for Gigs in Portsmouth
Every act here is a band or musician available for gigs in Portsmouth: the availability calendar on each profile shows the dates they are free. Listen to the audio, read the reviews, then message two or three and agree the fee in chat - the contract and payment are handled in one place. The full process is in how to book live music.
Who's Available This Weekend in Portsmouth
Here is who we have available in Portsmouth this weekend: 4 of our 4 Portsmouth acts have nothing booked or blocked on Saturday 31 October in their GigXchange calendar. Message an act to confirm your night.
Nothing booked or blocked Booked or unavailable
Calendars checked Sat 31 Oct, 23:01
What Our Portsmouth Acts Play
Rock leads Portsmouth's roster with 2 acts, then celtic / irish (1) and comedy / spoken word (1). 4 local acts list 9 styles on their profiles - these are the top 8. Where a style has its own hire guide, the link opens it: line-ups, fees and what to agree with the act.
- #1 Rock 2 acts
- #2 Celtic / Irish 1 act
- #3 Comedy / Spoken Word 1 act
- #4 Folk 1 act
- #5 Gospel / Christian 1 act
- #6 Metal 1 act
- #7 Other 1 act
- #8 Pop 1 act
What you'll pay for a band in Portsmouth
Fees for pubs and bars in Portsmouth run from about £250 for a 3–4 piece band at a pub or bar to £2,206 for a 5+ piece band at a wedding - South East medians of what acts take home. Line-up, set length and travel move a quote above these; the figures update nightly from the GX Index.
- Pub or bar · solo act £325 median · 23 observationsmiddle 50% £200–£330 · South East
- Pub or bar · duo £325 median · 93 observationsmiddle 50% £250–£500 · UK
- Pub or bar · 3–4 piece band £250 median · 58 observationsmiddle 50% £120–£400 · South East
- Pub or bar · 5+ piece band £425 median · 55 observationsmiddle 50% £360–£525 · South East
- Wedding · 3–4 piece band £1,202 median · 58 observationsmiddle 50% £962–£1,442 · South East
- Wedding · 5+ piece band £2,206 median · 27 observationsmiddle 50% £1,696–£2,250 · South East
Finding a Band in Portsmouth — What You Need to Know
What works at Thatchers, The Pelham Arms and The Admiral Drake tells you a lot about Portsmouth's rooms. Match the act to the room size, the crowd and the night: covers fill a pub, originals bring their own following.
Your Room
Portsmouth's pub gigs cluster in Southsea and North End. The Loft and the Rail Social Club in Fratton book rock, metal and punk, Thatchers in North End runs covers nights on Fridays and Saturdays, and The Admiral Drake and The Pelham Arms lean acoustic and open-stage.
Waterfront restaurants and hotels book acoustic and singer-songwriter players for evenings - the regulars from North End's acoustic nights.
Hampshire coast weddings want bands that can play a long night by the water - Portsmouth's covers and party acts work Southsea and the harbour venues all summer. Confirm set times and travel in chat.
Which Type of Band Fits Your Room?
The default for pubs and bars — recognisable songs, full room. A covers act typically plays two 45-minute sets.
Rock, blues and indie acts working the Portsmouth pub circuit week in, week out — own PA, self-contained, used to small stages.
Bigger line-ups for weddings, corporate dinners and parties - size and set length set the fee.
Tribute nights fill rooms on otherwise quiet evenings; original acts bring their own following. Both book direct on GigXchange.
Four Checks Before You Book
Play a live video or live recording on the act's profile, not just a studio track - that is how they will sound in your room.
Read what reviews say about nights like yours - a pub night, a wedding or a party - not just the star rating.
Get the set list and set times in writing, and confirm who brings the PA, the floor space needed and when they arrive to set up.
Agree the fee and the times, and read the cancellation terms in the GigXchange booking agreement, before you confirm.
How to Book a Band on GIGXCHANGE
3 steps. About 5 minutes from signup to first booking: post your gig, review the acts who apply, then book with a contract and your payment held until after the gig.
Post your gig
Fill in 5 details: date, venue, genre, budget, set length. The listing is live immediately, visible to every artist in the GigXchange network — takes about 5 minutes, no agency handling the hand-off.
Review applications
Acts apply with profile, tracks, reviews and availability all visible. Start a direct chat with shortlisted acts to confirm details before committing, and compare them side by side rather than tab-switching.
Book and pay securely
Once the fee’s signed off, a digital contract is auto-generated for both parties in under 1 minute. Funds are held securely via Stripe and released 5 days after the event completes. Ratings post from both sides when the booking closes.
Agree the brief and the terms in writing - the date, set times, fee, deposit, cancellation and what the price includes. Who brings the PA, the stage space and the power - written into the contract so nobody guesses on the night. Many venues ask acts for public liability insurance. Musicians’ Union members are covered to £10 million each with their membership. If the act drops out: GX Gig Rescue sends an urgent invite to available acts near you. The first to accept is booked.
Band Cancelled? Find a Replacement in Portsmouth
Emergency band replacement without ringing round an agency out of hours - Gig Rescue sends your night to acts who are free that evening, and the first to accept is booked.
Every GigXchange profile carries a live availability calendar, so you’re only ever looking at acts who can actually make your date. Message shortlisted bands directly, agree the fee in chat, and the contract and payment are handled in one place — realistic to turn around same-week, often same-day.
- 01
The date
Pick the gig that fell through, or tell it the night.
- 02
The call-out
Up to 25 free acts invited at once.
- 03
The show goes on
The other invites close the moment one act accepts.
Bands by Area in Portsmouth
Portsmouth's live music clusters in Southsea, Fratton, North End and Port Solent & the Harbour, with 9 Portsmouth venues listing live music on GigXchange. Knowing the area tells you the sound - and which acts already play there.
Southsea
The Loft and Rapscallions Southsea - rock, metal and live bars a short walk from the seafront.
Fratton
The Rail Social Club is the area's punk, metal and rock room.
North End
Thatchers, The Admiral Drake and The Pelham Arms book covers, acoustic and open-stage nights.
Port Solent & the Harbour
Marina bars like Rapscallions Port Solent suit relaxed acoustic sets and private parties.
Portsmouth Venues Listing Live Music
Acts travel, and the right one is often one town over — try Southampton, Bournemouth or Brighton if your date is tight in Portsmouth.
Find a Band in Portsmouth: FAQ
Ready to find a band in Portsmouth?
Post a gig for free, no card on file. Membership is free, and we are keeping it free permanently for the first 250 sign-ups. Open alpha, you’re early.