Venue HireLive Music Bookings

WaterBear MusicBar Live Music Venue Hire Brighton

Book your gig or live performance at WaterBear MusicBar. Our live music venue in Brighton is designed for bands, artists, and promoters, with everything in place to deliver standout shows.

A creative space for memorable performances

Whether you’re an artist, agent, or promoter planning a headline show, tour date, or one-off performance, WaterBear MusicBar offers live music venue hire in Brighton with everything you need to deliver a high-quality experience. Our space is fully equipped with a professional PA system, in-house backline, and experienced sound engineering, with technical specifications agreed in advance to ensure a smooth advance and seamless show day delivery.

The ground floor features a main bar and an intimate acoustic stage with seating throughout, ideal for support slots, stripped-back sets, or early evening performances. Downstairs, the basement houses our main live room, offering an atmospheric setting with a capacity of up to 100 standing or 50 seated in rows.

Delivering exceptional Events

WaterBear MusicBar hosts a wide range of live performances, from touring artists to student showcases. We welcome promoters, bands, and independent artists to discuss live, self-promoted, or industry events at our Brighton venue. Our team works with you to deliver oustanding gigs, providing a professional stage, sound, and lighting setup, all within a venue that’s deeply embedded in the local and national live music scene.

Touring Shows

Bring touring bands and artists to the MusicBar with full technical and hospitality support. Our stage, sound, lighting, and backline ensure every show runs seamlessly.

Headline Gigs

Host headline acts in a professional, vibrant Brighton venue. We provide stage, lighting, sound, and bar support for standout performances.

Album launches

Celebrate your new release at the MusicBar. Our venue offers full backline, lighting, and sound, making launch nights memorable for artists and fans alike.

DJ and Live Electronic sets

From DJ nights to live electronic acts, our sound system and lighting create the perfect performance environment. We can accommodate full setups and production requirements.

Rehearsals

Run full production rehearsals or practice sessions with access to stage, backline, and sound. Flexible booking keeps your prep efficient and professional.

Live recording

Capture live sets on stage with professional sound and lighting. The MusicBar provides full technical support for recordings, streaming, and filmed performances.

Student Events and Performances

Students can perform, rehearse, or experiment with discounted hire rates. Stage, sound, and lighting support ensures a professional experience in a creative space.

Charity Events

Host charity gigs, fundraisers, or community events in a fully supported space. Backline, sound, lighting, and hospitality are all included to make your event a success.

Showcases Self-Promoted Events

Perfect for emerging artists and promoters, the MusicBar supports self-promoted gigs and curated showcases. Technical and hospitality support keeps your event running smoothly.

Photo shoots

Use the MusicBar as a creative backdrop for photography or video shoots. Our lighting, technical support, and flexible spaces make production easy.

Types of Live Music Bookings

Please find below the different types of live events we can support. If you have something else in mind, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your ideas.

Touring Shows
Headline Gigs
Multi-Act Bills
Album / EP Launches
Showcases
Self-Promoted Events
DJ & Live Electronic Sets
Student / Development Performances
Live Recording Sessions / Filmed Performances
Rehearsals / Production Runs
Student Showcases & End-of-Year Events
Filming & Photography Shoots
Charity & Fundraising Events

WaterBear MusicBar Facilities

Basement Stage

Our basement stage is the heart of live performance at the MusicBar. Fully equipped for bands and solo acts, it’s perfect for gigs, showcases, and student-led events.

Ground floor Bar

The ground floor bar keeps the energy flowing, serving drinks to your audience throughout the night. A social hub for pre- and post-show mingling in a lively Brighton setting.

Sound Desk

The MusicBar sound desk gives full control over every performance. Our experienced engineers ensure your mix is clear, balanced, and professional.

Box Office

Manage ticket sales with ease using our on-site box office. It’s simple, professional, and keeps your event running smoothly from start to finish.

Acoustic Stage

Our ground floor acoustic stage is ideal for intimate sets, singer-songwriters, small ensembles, and DJ performances. With quality sound and lighting, it’s perfect for close-up, engaging shows.

Backline

Our backline includes essential kit as per the tech spec below, ready for your performance. We’re happy to discuss any additional requirements to make sure your show runs smoothly.

Want to Hire the MusicBar?

Booking your event couldn’t be simpler:

Enquire with your event details via the form below
We’ll confirm availability and explore your options
Secure your date and leave the rest to our experienced team

WaterBear Gigs & Events

We collaborate with promoters across the South to present exciting live shows, while also hosting regular Open Mic and Jam Nights that welcome the wider community. WaterBear students also benefit from access to the MusicBar for classes, rehearsals, performances, stagecraft development, and student-led events, with discounted hire rates available. Check out out our Live music gig listing below or contact us for more information about venue events and hire.

Live Music Brighton Contact Us

Get in touch for

Private Hire Events

Enquire for private hire & hospitality

Technical Specifications

The WaterBear MusicBar is equipped with a professional in-house PA, monitoring and microphone setup designed to support live gigs, touring acts and club nights. The specification below outlines the core equipment available on site. If your show has specific technical requirements, our team will be happy to discuss them with you.

FOH / PA

4 x DAS Audio EVENT 26A
2 x DAS Audio EVENT 115A

FOH & Inputs

1 x Allen and Heath SQ5 Mixing Desk
1 x Allen and Heath DX 168 Stage Box for Stage Left
1 x Allen and Heath DX 168 Stage Box for Stage Right

Monitors

4 x LD Systems Mon15

Microphones & DI’s

2 x BSS AR-133 DI Box
2 x Klark Teknik DN200 V2 DI Box
3 x Sennheiser E604 mic
2 x Sennheiser E609 mic
1 x Behringer BA19A mic
4 x sE Electronics V7 mic
2 x Lewitt LCT 040 mic