The White Swan runs an open mic every Thursday in City Centre, Cambridge, starting at 8pm with free entry for performers and audience. It's one of Cambridge's regular weekly open-mic slots — listed across [public open-mic guides](https://openmicfinder.com/UK/England/Cambridgeshire/Cambridge/).
Sign-up opens at 7:30pm on a walk-in basis (no advance booking). Slots run 15-15 minutes per act — typically 3 songs solo or 4 for a band. PA and at least one vocal mic provided. Bring your own instrument, amp and any pedals.
### Sign-up process
The sign-up sheet goes out at 7:30pm at the venue. Popular thursdays fill within 30-60 minutes — arrive early if you want a guaranteed slot. There is no advance booking, no online sign-up, no email list — strictly walk-in.
### What to expect
Cambridge open-mic crowds tend to be a mix of working musicians, friends and locals. Solo songwriters, duos and acoustic acts work best given the gear set-up; full bands should ask the host before turning up.
The White Swan runs an open mic every Thursday in City Centre, Cambridge, starting at 8pm with free entry for performers and audience. It's one of Cambridge's regular weekly open-mic slots — listed across [public open-mic guides](https://openmicfinder.com/UK/England/Cambridgeshire/Cambridge/).
Sign-up opens at 7:30pm on a walk-in basis (no advance booking). Slots run 15-15 minutes per act — typically 3 songs solo or 4 for a band. PA and at least one vocal mic provided. Bring your own instrument, amp and any pedals.
Sign-up process
The sign-up sheet goes out at 7:30pm at the venue. Popular thursdays fill within 30-60 minutes — arrive early if you want a guaranteed slot. There is no advance booking, no online sign-up, no email list — strictly walk-in.
What to expect
Cambridge open-mic crowds tend to be a mix of working musicians, friends and locals. Solo songwriters, duos and acoustic acts work best given the gear set-up; full bands should ask the host before turning up.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
What should you charge for paid gigs?Most open mic musicians are ready for paid work sooner than they think. Check live UK rates by role, city, and venue size.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Cambridge regulars across the Cambridge open mic scene. Cambridge open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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