Students from the University of Winchester are putting on a special show to help support one of the city’s best known live music venues.
Students studying on the Popular Music Performance and Production course at the University are organising the event at The Railway Inn, which recently launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to help clear debts which it incurred during lockdown.
Within five days the pub’s appeal hit its £35,000 target and a new target of £50,000 has since been set.
The fundraiser takes place on 26 September with a bill made up of five acts from the University:
The UK has lost more than more than 250 small music venues in the last two years.
The Railway is the city’s only grassroots music venue and during its 40-year history has been launchpad for a number of successful Winchester acts including Frank Turner and This Is the Kit. Other artists to have played the pub in their early days include Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa.
Robbie Dwyer, Programme Leader (Music & Sound Production and Popular Music Performance & Production) at the University, said the venue had been a great supporter of student music acts down the years and he was glad today’s students were returning the favour.
Robbie said: “This is more than just another student performance – it's a heartfelt response to a venue that has given so much to so many of our students over the years.”
“This event is a powerful example of our students not only applying their skills but also embodying the University’s values of creativity, community, and professional engagement.
“It is fantastic student-led initiative taking place this September, which not only demonstrates the collaborative spirit of our community but also supports a local institution that has long championed emerging talent.”
Apricity (pictured above)) said: “This fundraiser isn't our first time playing at The Railway and now it doesn't have to be our last thanks to public support! As the only grassroots venue in Winchester, it's a really important place for the community, especially for us as music students."
Emil Fowler said: “The Railway Inn is a wonderful grassroots venue that really helps local and emerging talent in Winchester, it is so vital to have somewhere that University of Winchester students can play to start their career off and feel what it is like to perform in a real life venue.”
Emily May (pictured above) said: “The Railway is a great little venue that hosts a diverse range of music that we need to protect. It has been a brilliant for the music students at the University to perform and hone their skills. Grassroots venues are facing a significant crisis, we need to keep them going – they are a crucial part of the music ecosystem!”
Jack Bolton, Show Promoter at The Railway, said: “Having a direct link to the University music courses and the wider student community is essential to running a vibrant and exciting venue.
“All the students working hard, studying music and production, get to use their skills in a real-world environment and learn more about the challenges of the industry from people working in it. Having access to a grassroots music venue also allows them to broaden their musical horizons by finding new, underground or experimental acts that may inform their further music creation.
“I've been privileged to be able to watch some fantastic music and musicians coming out of The University of Winchester for the last four years and see young students' careers develop and grow through the shows I've booked them onto and the shows they've gone on to play elsewhere.”
Follow this link to find out more about the student fundraiser and to book tickets. Find out more about the Railway’s Crowdfunder appeal here.
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