The Bold Forester is a large, historic corner pub at 177 Albert Road in central Southsea, dating from the 1870s and now part of the Greene King estate. It's one of the more active grassroots music rooms in Portsmouth: live bands belt out indie, jazz, funk and rock, there are intimate acoustic nights, and an open mic runs from 7pm to 10:30pm every Thursday where new performers can get their shot — the pub has even hosted heats of a grassroots music competition with a career-launching prize. Dog- and family-friendly, with a large secluded patio garden to the rear and an in-house PA, it's a welcoming spot for covers, originals and first-timers alike.
Southsea · Every Thursday · Free
Bold Forester Open Mic
Southsea's thursday open mic.
Open mic at a glance Bold Forester · Portsmouth
Thursday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
24 Jul
Last verified
Free
Entry
—
Sign-up time
Verified
Listing status
Run a Portsmouth open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 24 July 2026
Bold Forester Open Mic — Quick Facts
✓ Verified activeLast verified
The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayThursday
Start19:00
Sign-up walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
Bold ForesterSouthsea
Portsmouth
Southsea, Portsmouth — 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
PA system provided
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 Bold Forester
About This Open Mic
Every Thursday in Southsea, Portsmouth
Kicks off at 19:00
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
PA provided — BYO instrument
Part of the Portsmouth open mic directory
The Night
The Bold Forester on Albert Road in Southsea runs an open mic every Thursday from 7pm to 10:30pm. It's a friendly, family-welcoming neighbourhood pub on the corner of Albert Road and Fawcett Road, with a loyal crowd who turn out for the weekly session. No booking needed — just come down and play, and there's a house guitar available if you travel light. Entry is free and there's a PA on hand.
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 Bold Forester’s Thursday night runs.
19:00Kick-off
22:30Last songs
23:00Venue closes
Every Thursday Free entry
Find Bold Forester
Southsea, Portsmouth
Planning Your Thursday Night
Arrive early to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until 22:30. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Portsmouth live music scene.
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Try the Rate CalculatorCommon Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Portsmouth's Bold Forester open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at . Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
Southsea, Portsmouth.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Portsmouth regulars across the Portsmouth open mic scene. Portsmouth open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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