As we see the UK gradually ease restrictions, we took to the streets, with a camera in hand, to capture this period of transition. With a vibrant music scene across our Guildford, London and Birmingham campuses, ACM believes in championing and supporting local venues and shops which have become part of the cultural bedrock for the ACM community over the years. Learn more about just a few of these businesses across our three campuses…
Venn Street Records – Clapham
Now open to the public and lauded as “The Home of live music, cocktails and good times in Clapham”, Venn Street Records has been a social space for students to socialise and perform. Notable events include Freshers parties, featuring stellar DJ sets and an eclectic mix of hip-hop, RnB and Soul artists from our talented ACM community. Venn Street Records also ran weekly open mic nights and offered discounts to our student base. Learn more about Venn Street Records in Clapham!
The Actress & Bishop – Birmingham
The Actress and Bishop is now officially operating an outdoor only service as per government guidance. The vibrant, independent live music venue and late-night bar is situated in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, facilitating many ACM events over the years – from degree assessments to bustling networking evenings. Learn more about The Actress & Bishop!
The Electric Theatre – Guildford
The Electric Theatre has played a key role in the success of ACM, while students regularly learn and perform at the 210-capacity seated theatre and utilise their Cafe Bar area. With upcoming shows in April and beyond, including “The Budapest Café Orchestra In Concert”, make sure to show your support and come along to an event!
Hair Salons, Coffee Shops and Pubs – Clapham
Clapham has been bustling with excitement as we saw people take to the streets post-lockdown. With queues outside hair salons, outdoor facilities accommodating pub-goers and coffee shop dwellers, Clapham is once again thriving. We also visited ACM’s Gianfranco Chimienti at the tech hatch!
The Boileroom – Guildford
The Boileroom is set to host a range of live-streamed music events, as well as socially distanced events later this year with the likes of ACM Alumnus Newton Faulkner! From ACM’s Soul Workshop with Tutor Brian Henry, to the Metropolis Blue Launch Party back in 2019, ACM bands and artists have regularly performed at this established music venue. The team at The Boileroom continue to be “committed to bringing some of the most diverse and talented artists across all genres of contemporary music.”
The Asylum and Uprawr Studios – Birmingham
Hosting live events from May onwards, The Asylum is one of Birmingham’s finest live music venues. ACM has regularly put on rock gigs at The Asylum, whilst utilising their incredible Uprawr Studio rooms as an extension to our facilities (in close proximity to campus). The venue also has its own merchandise and very own mental health charity called Uprawr Mental Health Foundation.
The Star Inn – Guildford
Due to officially open on May 17th, Guildford’s longest-running live music venue, The Star Inn, combines a welcoming pub atmosphere with regular live music events from our talented ACM students and alumni. ACM bands and artists who have performed at The Star Inn over the year include Electric Lady, The White Lakes, Ryan Harman, Whitelands, Beth Manners, Angel Blue, Blackwaters and more! Learn more about The Star Inn.
Mama Roux’s – Birmingham
Mama Roux’s “yard” is now open, offering visitors food and drink outside! Known as Birmingham’s most creative music venue, Mama Roux’s intimate music establishment is home to an eclectic range of music from “electronic… to grime”. ACM is proud to have worked closely with Birmingham Music Awards, who have hosted many networking events at Mama Roux’s, utilising the venue’s incredible 300 capacity and “L’acoustics Arc Sound system”. Students have regularly performed at these events, whilst being offered work experience.
Holroyd Arms – Guildford
With “over 21 table bookings” and events from May onwards, The Holroyd Arms is a thriving traditional English pub in Guildford, facilitating student-organised gigs over the last few years. These include Live Band Sets from the likes of Backdoor Ramblers, Gatvol, The White Lakes, as well as more intimate acoustic sets from other ACM artists including NaMo, Sasha Lillie and Dave Moore, just to name a few. Learn more about Holroyd Arms!
Subject Specific Open Days
We invite you to join us for our Subject Specific Open Days over the coming weeks! These Open Days cover ACM courses in Music Production & Tech Services, Rap & MC, Game Development, Business & Innovation, Performance, Creative Artist, alongside our designated Diploma Open Day.
Register Today
