The Water Witch is a characterful canalside pub and restaurant on the towpath off Aldcliffe Road in Lancaster, converted from purpose-built stables in 1978 and a five-minute stroll from the city centre. Every Wednesday it hosts a uniquely intimate, supportive weekly open mic by the fireplace overlooking the Lancaster canal, hosted by Michael (Mike) Kinder — acoustic and folk-leaning. It is well known for its cask ales across seven hand-pulls, Sunday roasts, pizzas, burgers and deli boards, with a large outdoor seating area and a cosy log fire in winter. Performers typically bring their own PA for the fireside open mic.
Lancaster · Every Wednesday · Free
The Waterwitch Open Mic
Lancaster's wednesday open mic.
Open mic at a glance The Waterwitch · Lancaster
Wednesday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
04 Aug
Last verified
Free
Entry
—
Sign-up time
Closed
Listing status
Run a Lancaster open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Waterwitch Open Mic — Quick Facts
We’ve marked this as closedSeen it running recently?Checked · 10 seconds, no signup
The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayWednesday
Start20:00
Sign-up walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
The WaterwitchLancaster
Lancaster — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
Free entry for all
Walk-in sign-up
Music welcome
How do you rate this open mic?One tap, no sign-up required.
Spotted something wrong with this listing?Closed, moved night, different start time? Let us know and we'll re-verify within 48 hours.
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About The Waterwitch
About This Open Mic
Every Wednesday in Lancaster
Kicks off at 20:00
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
Gear & backline — we’re on it, no info yet
Part of the Lancaster open mic directory
The Night
The Water Witch is a cosy converted barn pub on the canal towpath (Aldcliffe Road) in Lancaster, with good food and a snug, fireside atmosphere. It historically ran a weekly open mic on Wednesdays hosted by Mike Kinder, right by the fireplace overlooking the canal. However, the most recent confirmed status lists the open mic as no longer running, so we can't say it's currently active — check the Water Witch Open Mic Facebook page before heading over.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
Vocal mics
In-house engineer
The Night at a Glance
How The Waterwitch’s Wednesday night runs.
20:00Kick-off
22:00Venue closes
Every Wednesday Free entry
Find The Waterwitch
Lancaster
Planning Your Wednesday Night
Arrive early to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. Bring your own gear.
Part of the Lancaster live music scene.
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Seven things people ask before turning up at Lancaster's The Waterwitch open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at . Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Lancaster open mic nights for alternatives.
BYO PA, mics and instruments.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Lancaster mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Lancaster regulars across the Lancaster open mic scene. Lancaster open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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