Shipmans in Northampton stands out with its welcoming atmosphere for both original acts and cover bands, fostering a vibrant local music scene. This grassroots venue features a reliable PA system, making it a go-to spot for emerging artists across mixed genres. With its central location on Drapery, Shipmans is a hub for music lovers seeking fresh talent.
Northampton · Every other Sunday · Free
Shipmans Open Mic
Northampton's weekly Tuesday open mic with full backline provided.
Open mic at a glance Shipmans · Northampton
Sunday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
27 Jul
Last verified
Free
Entry
19:30
Sign-up time
Community
Listing status
Run a Northampton open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 2 June 2026
Shipmans Open Mic — Quick Facts
Northampton's weekly Tuesday open mic with full backline provided.
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The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DaySunday
Start20:00
Sign-up19:30 walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · 18+
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
Shipmans12 Drapery
Northampton NN1 2HG
Northampton — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Highlights
Free entry for all
PA system provided
Walk-in sign-up
Music welcome
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About Shipmans
About This Open Mic
Every other Sunday in Northampton
Kicks off at 20:00, sign-up from 19:30
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
PA provided — BYO instrument
Part of the Northampton open mic directory
The Night
Shipmans is a narrow, three-storey Grade II listed pub on The Drapery in Northampton's town centre (built by the Shipman family in 1790, reopened in 2022), and its open mic runs on the first and third Sunday of each month from around 7:30pm. It's a characterful, welcoming room — all are welcome whether you're a seasoned player or trying it for the first time — and the pub also dabbles in jazz and other live music. Free to get up and play; just turn up.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
2 vocal mics
In-house engineer
The Night at a Glance
How Shipmans’s Sunday night runs.
19:30Sign-up
20:00Kick-off
21:00Venue closes
Every other Sunday Free entry
Find Shipmans
12 Drapery, Northampton NN1 2HG
Planning Your Sunday 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 Northampton live music scene.
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.
Try the Rate CalculatorCommon Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Northampton's Shipmans open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at 19:30. Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Northampton open mic nights for alternatives.
PA + vocal mic provided. BYO instrument and amp.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Northampton mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
12 Drapery, Northampton NN1 2HG.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Northampton regulars across the Northampton open mic scene. Northampton open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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