2025 sees a milestone in Bedford’s live music history as it marks the 35th anniversary of the town’s iconic, award-winning live music venue, Esquires.
Originally a 19th-century Methodist chapel (you can still see some of the original features around the main stage), the venue became Esquires in March 1990 and the rest – as they say – is history.
Over the years, Esquires has played host to a ridiculous number of stadium-filling superstars on their ascent to stardom, including Elbow, Coldplay, Muse, Public Service Broadcasting, George Ezra, Royal Blood, Idles and American global sensation Lizzo who supported and performed with Har Mar Superstar.
But it’s just as important as the launch pad for local acts including Don Broco, Tom Grennan (more from him later) and Alfie Templeman, who all came through the venue when they were starting their careers and honing their craft.
In 2016 the venue was taken over by Gareth and Louisa Barber, who modernised the venue by investing in a new PA and lighting system, as well as reinstating a second, smaller stage downstairs, meaning that Esquires can host two live events on the same night – and they’ve never been busier.
“The perception of Esquires has changed since 2016,” said Gareth. “It’s not seen as a ‘toilet circuit’ venue any more, all the facilities have been modernised since we took it on and we’ve constantly reinvested back into the venue. We’re a multi-genre events space, the perception has changed and it’s attracting new audiences.”
One of his proudest achievements is launching the annual Ceremony festival as a way to support and promote emerging artists. “I became a music promoter because I wanted to share my love of new music with other people,” he said.
“Finding the artists of tomorrow is a passion. My main frustration is that you can’t always convince other people to take a chance on it. Idles played to 120 people, Franz Ferdinand and The Libertines played to less than 50 people – my one wish for 2025 is for people to actively support more emerging artists.
‘We spend a lot of time and effort trying to foresee which artists are going to break, so you’ll never see anything shit!”
Recent years have been turbulent for the hospitality sector and it’s more important than ever to support small venues like Esquires.
“Venues like Esquires are the A&R department for the music industry,” said Gareth, “It’s where future festival headliners are coming from.
“When I took over, I always said that I’m just a custodian of the building, looking after it for future generations. I won’t be here, but I certainly hope Esquires is celebrating its 70th birthday in 35 years time.
“We have some massive announcements coming soon to help celebrate, so keep your eyes firmly peeled”
Happy birthday, Esquires!
“Esquires is the holy grail for artists in Bedford. It’s allowed me and so many artists to be seen and to showcase our talents,” said Bedford-born chart-topping singer/songwriter Tom Grennan.
“Gareth Barber and all the team there have created something incredible for the town. Esquires is the heartbeat of the music scene in Bedford and I hope it has the best 35th birthday party. I’ll be there in spirit!”
