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 · Open mic · Closed
This open mic has stopped running. Here's where to play in Lancaster instead.
Last checked 24 Oct 2026.
Still running nearbyUpdated 13 November 2026
running
| Status | Stopped |
| Last checked | 24 Oct 2026 |
No sign-up. We review corrections within 7 days.
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.
| 01 | Correct the day, time and sign-up |
| 02 | Edit your profile and photos |
| 03 | Receive artist enquiries |
| 04 | Update backline and capacity |
Looking for paid gigs, not open mics? See Lancaster gigs or check the going rate.
The Waterwitch Open Mic
This open mic has stopped running. Here's where to play in Lancaster instead.
About this directory
Why we built the UK open mic directory, what’s in it, and what the data shows about the circuit.
More Lancaster open mics
Last updated: 13 November 2026
The Waterwitch Open Mic Has Stopped
We checked and this night is no longer running. If you’ve seen it on lately, tell us below and we’ll re-check it.
What’s on in Lancaster this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
Find The Waterwitch
Lancaster
The Waterwitch is in Lancaster. Check the venue's website for parking and the nearest station before you set off.
Ye Olde John O'Gaunt, Piel Castle Inn, The Galleon Bar and The Wobbly Cobbler
Keep up with Lancaster
One email a week with live music near you. Free, and it keeps grassroots rooms full.
Help keep grassroots venues open in Lancaster
—A UK venue stops hosting live music every 5 days — and turning up is what keeps a room open. Get a free weekly email of gigs in Lancaster. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy.
See what’s on in Lancaster over the next four weeks →
Booking or playing in Lancaster? The GX Index publishes what UK gigs actually pay, by city, band size and venue type, and the GX Index reports set out the methodology and the sample behind every figure. Both are free to read and free to cite.
Keep exploring: the UK gig directory for what's coming up, the venue directory for rooms that book live music, the open mic finder for recurring stage time, and what's on across the UK this week. The blog covers pricing, contracts and getting booked, and about GigXchange explains who runs it and why. Something not right on this page? Tell us — or start on the home page.
Free to join. No subscription. 5% only if you want the deposit protected.
Run an open mic in Lancaster?
Add yours to the directory free. 2-minute submission, reviewed before it goes live.














