The owner of a popular live music venue in Southport says she is “overwhelmed” by the huge success of a BBC Open Mic night in her venue.
Julie Goodwin was delighted when BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and BBC Radio Merseyside chose Connolly’s Irish pub on King Street, in the Southport Market Quarter, as one of three venues in Merseyside where they offered a stage to emerging new musical talent.
Open Mic nights were held at Connolly’s in Southport, The Jacaranda in Liverpool city centre and Future Yard in Birkenhead as musicians took to the stage to show what they could do ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool this May.
Performers who impressed the team from the BBC could have their songs played on BBC Radio 1.
Over 60 musicians showcased their talent in a vibrant night at Connolly’s, hosted by Dave Aston and Martin White, which was enjoyed by hundreds of music lovers.
Julie Goodwin said: “This was such a fantastic event! I am overwhelmed by the response.
“We had a couple of hundred people in Connolly’s watching the acts; it was an amazing atmosphere.
“There are some very talented young musicians in Southport and across the Liverpool City Region, and this was the perfect opportunity for them to come and showcase just what they can do.
“It was brilliant to see. We saw artists with a variety of different styles; people in the crowd were so supportive of them.
“The team from the BBC said this was one of the busiest Open Mic nights they have ever had.
“They said they really loved the evening, they really enjoyed it. We had such great feedback.
“People from the BBC are speaking with some of the acts who performed about the possibility of being heard on the radio.
“They were really impressed with the quality of the live music scene in Southport.”
Connolly’s has become a popular live music venue since it opened in Southport last summer.
Every Wednesday, Dave Aston and Martin White host a regular Open Mic night.
Fridays see Chris Kinsella entertaining customers, while Carl (3pm) and George (5.30pm) are on stage every Saturday.
This Saturday, during Easter weekend, people can admire the legendary Asa Murphy from 8.30pm.
On Sundays, visitors call in for chef Harrison Brown’s famous Sunday roast dinners, with Carl singing between 4pm and 7pm.
Julie Goodwin said: “Connolly’s has established itself as a very popular live music venue in Southport over the past year we’ve been open.
“The BBC Open Mic has been such a huge talking point.
“It has really made Connolly’s as the foremost live music venue in the area.”
She added: “Connolly’s has been shortlisted in two categories in the Your Southport Stars Awards, for Pub, Bar, or Club of the Year and New Business of the Year.
“We would love to see your votes!”
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