DJ set lighting up a crowd at a social club

Photo collage from the 21st Century Social Clubs Summit 2025

Photography / Egle Bidvaite

Social clubs and grassroots music:
Uncovering the past, securing the future

Social clubs and grassroots music: Uncovering the past, securing the future

24 November 2026

1 – 6pm

Metro Sports & Social Club, Manchester

Book your place

Social clubs have played an important role in Britain’s musical history. From brass to cabaret, to late night raves and emerging bands, they have offered a live touring circuit that has launched some of the UK’s biggest performers, as well as providing affordable, accessible spaces where music and communities thrive together.

Social clubs have played an important role in Britain’s musical history. From brass to cabaret, to late night raves and emerging bands, they have offered a live touring circuit that has launched some of the UK’s biggest performers, as well as providing affordable, accessible spaces where music and communities thrive together.

Social clubs have played an important role in Britain’s musical history. From brass to cabaret, to late night raves and emerging bands, they have offered a live touring circuit that has launched some of the UK’s biggest performers, as well as providing affordable, accessible spaces where music and communities thrive together.

Today, as grassroots music venues face increasing pressures, social clubs represent one of the country’s greatest untapped cultural assets. Across the country, social clubs are experimenting with new partnerships, supporting emerging artists, and creating sustainable models that benefit both local communities and the live music sector.

This one-day event with 21st Century Social Clubs will bring together social clubs, grassroots music venues, promoters, artists, policymakers, funders and industry leaders to explore how clubs can play a larger role in the future of live music.

Tickets

Free / £25

We have a two-tier pricing system:

Free for social clubs

£25 for organisations

Click below to select the appropriate tier and secure your tickets:

Book your place

Programme

Clubland Circuit: A history of its role in live music

Today’s showcase: Social Clubs as Grassroots Music Venues

Unlocking more social clubs as Grassroots Music Venues

Investing in the circuit: improving funding and policy for the sector

DJ & Bar

Organised by Nite School

Who’s it for?

Anyone who’s interested in preserving and investing in popular cultural infrastructure, unlocking space for emerging artists, and funding and supporting these vital spaces through new creative strategies.

Supported by

If you’re interested in finding out more, email our team on contact@21stcenturysocialclubs.com