The Criterion Open Mic

Name: Open Mic at The Criterion
Location: The Criterion

The Criterion Open Mic — Quick Facts

Leicester's Monday-night free folk open mic at 44 Millstone Lane, LE1 5JN — real-ale pub, PA + guitar amp, 12-minute slots.

✓ Verified active Last verified 28 Apr 2026 Source: thecriterionleicester.co.uk + venue confirmation

The Details

Everything you need before you turn up

DayMonday

Start8pm

Sign-up7:30pm walk-in

Slot length12 min

EntryFree · 18+

Capacity~80 standing

Performer typesMusic · Folk

Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night

Where

The Criterion 44 Millstone Lane
City Centre
Leicester LE1 5JN

Contact

Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team

Highlights

Free entry

PA provided

MusicFolk18+Walk-in

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What's on Stage

PA + monitors

Drum kit

Guitar amp

Bass amp

Keys / keyboard

2 vocal mics

In-house engineer

The Criterion is a Leicester real-ale pub with a folk-leaning Monday open mic.

180 minutes, 15 acts at 12 minutes.

Sign-up process

Sheet at the bar at 7:30pm. Walk-in.

Getting there

44 Millstone Lane, LE1 5JN. 8 minutes from Leicester Rail.

The venue

Real-ale pub with stage. 18+. Capacity ~80.

Common Questions

Seven things people ask before turning up at Leicester's The Criterion open mic.

How do I sign up to play at The Criterion open mic?

Walk-in sign-up only, opens at 7:30pm. Arrive early — slots fill on the night. Backup options if you don't get on: other Leicester open mics the same week.

What backline does The Criterion provide?

PA + vocal mic provided. BYO instrument and amp. Need a venue with full backline? Try the backline filter.

How long is a slot at The Criterion open mic?

12 minutes per act — typically 3 songs solo or 4 for a band.

Is The Criterion open mic free?

Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Leicester mics are free; browse the list.

Can I bring a band to The Criterion open mic?

Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band. For full-band-friendly mics, filter the directory by backline.

Where is The Criterion?

44 Millstone Lane, City Centre, Leicester LE1 5JN.

What's the audience like on a Monday night?

Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Leicester regulars who turn up across the Leicester live music scene. Leicester open mic crowds tend to listen attentively — this isn't a chatter-over-the-music kind of night.