The Old Plough is an award-winning pub at 18 Front Street in Birstall, a village just north of Leicester. It's a genuinely music-forward local: alongside Wednesday lunchtime jazz, it runs the Birstall Open Mic on the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30pm (acts get three songs; groups are kept to a trio or smaller and preferably acoustic), and an Acoustic Club every Tuesday at 8pm, with booked live bands on the first Saturday of the month. The open mic is a friendly, all-welcome night with a house PA — turn up, get on the list and play. Because it's monthly, it pulls a good crowd of regulars. With its packed acoustic calendar and 2025 tourism-business award, the Old Plough punches well above its weight for grass-roots live music. Call 0116 431 9099 or check the Old Plough Birstall Facebook page to confirm the next open-mic date.
Old Plough Open Mic
City Centre's wednesday-night free open mic at Old Plough — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7:30pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Last updated: 3 June 2026
Old Plough Open Mic — Quick Facts
City Centre's wednesday-night free open mic at Old Plough — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7:30pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
Old Plough18 Front Street
City Centre
Leicester LE4 4DP
City Centre, Leicester — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
What’s on in Leicester this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About Old Plough
About This Open Mic
The Night
Old Plough runs an open mic every Wednesday in City Centre, Leicester, starting at 8pm with free entry for performers and audience. It's one of Leicester's regular weekly open-mic slots — listed across [public open-mic guides](https://www.cliffbywater.com/open-mics/).
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 wednesdays 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
Leicester 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.
The Night at a Glance
How Old Plough’s Wednesday night runs.
Find Old Plough
18 Front Street, City Centre, Leicester LE4 4DP
Planning Your Wednesday Night
Arrive by 19:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Leicester live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Leicester's Old Plough open mic.
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