Play For Us!

🎸 Strummer Room Records Presents…

Live Music at The Apothecary Tap

We’re a DIY live-music promoter bringing original bands and artists to The Apothecary Tap—a family-owned craft beer taproom in the heart of Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Through the winter months, gigs take place in our intimate indoor music room, while summer shows move outdoors to our open-air stage. We focus on showcasing both local talent and touring acts, all performing their own material in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Most shows run on Friday evenings from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, with occasional Saturday events from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm—perfect for discovering new music alongside a great pint.

🌟 How We Operate

Our intimate venue comfortably hosts around 40–50 people, creating a vibrant, friendly, inclusive atmosphere where musicians and music lovers connect up close. Most gigs are free entry, with occasional special ticketed events and charity fundraisers throughout the year.

In January 2026, we proudly took part in Independent Venue Week, welcoming touring bands from across the UK. We also host two major charity fundraising weekends each year during the May and August Bank Holidays, featuring around 15 bands performing across three packed days.

🎶 Artist Opportunities

We mainly work with bands within 30 miles of North Oxfordshire, but we’ve also welcomed acts from across the UK and overseas since 2024.

Looking to book a show or add Banbury to your 2026 tour?
Get in touch — we’d love to hear from you!

📧 Email: strummerroom@btinternet.com
📸 Instagram: @strummerroomrecords
📘 Facebook: Strummer Room Records Presents

As a DIY-run project operating on a modest budget, we do our best to contribute toward artists’ expenses whenever possible. Any financial support depends on event turnout and bar sales.

We kindly ask all participating bands to actively promote their shows through social media, websites, mailing lists, and other channels to help ensure a strong attendance.

Please note that performances at our charity fundraising events are voluntary, and no expenses are covered for those shows.

📍 Venue Details

The Apothecary Tap - 10/11 Butchers Row, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5JH

Access, offloading & parking:
The venue is on a partially pedestrianised one-way lane. Artists may drive up to offload gear, then park in one of the nearby town centre car parks.

Parking costs £1.40/hour, but is free after 6pm.
Closest options: Market Place or Bolton Road (2–3 minute walk).

🎛️ Equipment & Setup

We provide a full PA system with onstage monitors and a box of cables.
Artists should bring any non-standard cables, adapters, DI boxes, etc.

Due to limited space and fixed set times, we encourage all participating bands to coordinate with one another to arrange kit and backline sharing where possible. We will be emailing all participating artists and bands—copying in the relevant contact addresses—so you can connect directly and make these arrangements in advance.

We can help with kit and backline sharing. The following equipment is available for use:

House Drum Kit:

Kick drum
Floor tom
Two mounted toms

(Please bring your own stands, pedals, cymbals, and throne, or coordinate with other drummers.)

Available Backline:

Fender Rumble bass amp (with DI)
Blackstar HT5 guitar amp (mic’d if needed)

Please let us know at least a few days before your show if you would like to use the house drum kit or amps.

Arrival times:

Bringing your own full kit → arrive by 6:00 pm (unless instructed)
Using the house kit → arrive by 6:30 pm (unless instructed)