Want to Play 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.

During the winter months, gigs take place in our intimate indoor music room. In the summer, the music moves outside to our open-air stage.

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We’re passionate about showcasing original live music, from local talent to touring artists from across the UK and beyond, all in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming setting.

Most of our shows take place on Friday evenings from 7:30 pm–10:30 pm, with occasional Saturday shows from 4:30 pm–8:00 pm.

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How We Operate

The Apothecary Tap is an intimate venue, typically welcoming around 40–50 people for our live shows. That makes for a lively, up-close atmosphere where artists and audiences can genuinely connect.

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Most gigs are free entry, although we occasionally host special ticketed shows and charity fundraising events.

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In January 2026, we were proud to take part in Independent Venue Week, welcoming touring bands from across the UK.

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We also organise two major charity fundraising weekends each year over the May and August Bank Holidays, with around 15 bands performing across three days of live music.

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Artist Opportunities

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

Looking for a show or planning to add Banbury to your tour?

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We’d love to hear from you.

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

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Fees & Expenses

The Strummer Room is a DIY-run project operating on a modest budget. We always do our best to contribute towards artists’ expenses where possible, but any financial support will depend on factors such as attendance and bar sales.

We ask every participating artist and band to actively promote their show through social media, websites, mailing lists and other available channels. Helping us spread the word makes a real difference to attendance and helps us continue putting on live original music.

Please note that performances at our charity fundraising events are voluntary, and we are unable to cover artists’ expenses for these shows.

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Venue Details

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

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Access, Offloading & Parking

The venue is located on a partially pedestrianised, one-way lane.

Artists can drive up to the venue to offload equipment before moving their vehicle to one of the nearby town-centre car parks.

Parking costs £1.60 per hour, with a £1.60 charge covering the period between 6:00 pm and 8:00 am.

The closest options are:

• Market Place

• Bolton Road – Pay on Exit

Both are approximately a 2–3 minute walk from the venue.

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Equipment & Setup

We provide a full PA system, including onstage monitors and a selection of cables.

Please bring any specialist or non-standard equipment you require, including adapters, DI boxes or unusual cables.

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Because space is limited and changeover times need to be kept short, we strongly encourage bands playing the same event to coordinate and share backline wherever possible.

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Ahead of the show, we’ll email the participating artists and copy in the relevant contacts so that you can communicate directly and arrange equipment sharing in advance.

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House Drum Kit

We have a house drum kit available for all shows, including a range of stands and a drum stool.

Drummers only need to bring:

• Snare drum

• Cymbals

• Pedal(s)

• Drumsticks

If you’re happy to share any of your own equipment with other drummers on the bill, please arrange this between yourselves in advance.

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Available Backline

We can also provide the following amplifiers:

• Fender Rumble bass amp with DI

• Blackstar HT5 guitar amp, which can be mic’d if required

• Peavey Rage guitar amplifier

Please let us know at least a few days before your show which house equipment you intend to use. This helps us organise the stage setup and keep changeovers between bands as quick and straightforward as possible.

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Arrival & Show Times

For our regular Friday evening shows, artists should normally:

Arrive by 6:30 pm, unless we have given you a different arrival time.

Please arrive in good time to unload, park and get set up before the show.

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Ready to Play?

Whether you’re a local original band looking for a gig or a touring artist planning a stop in Oxfordshire, we’d love to hear what you’re doing.

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Send us a little information about your act, links to your music and live footage if available, and the dates you’re looking for.

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

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Original music. Independent artists. Great beer. Live in the heart of Banbury.