Pictured above, l-r: PRS for Music's Keoghan Litchfield, David Pott, Suzanne Pott, Keith Beauvais and David Wilson of the BBPA.
The Market Inn in Kent officially opened its newly refurbished live music facilities on Wednesday 25 January, thanks to winning a nationwide competition organised by PRS for Music.
The Market Inn in Kent officially opened its newly refurbished live music facilities on Wednesday 25 January, thanks to winning a nationwide competition organised by PRS for Music.
Last year the pub beat off stiff competition to win the Music Makeover competition run in partnership with the Musician’s Union and the British Beer and Pub Association. The pub received £5,000 to spend improving its live music facilities as well as expert advice on staging music events.
David Wilson, Director of Communications, from the BBPA and songwriter Keith Beauvais, who has written for legends including Sting, Tom Jones and Take That, were there to see the room officially opened and present Landlord David Pott with a Gold Music Makeover winner disc.
As well as officially opening their brand new facilities, The Market Inn held an open-mic night with bands including Get Carter and The Hoots putting on a show to the packed out pub.
David Wilson, Director of Communications, from the BBPA and songwriter Keith Beauvais, who has written for legends including Sting, Tom Jones and Take That, were there to see the room officially opened and present Landlord David Pott with a Gold Music Makeover winner disc.
As well as officially opening their brand new facilities, The Market Inn held an open-mic night with bands including Get Carter and The Hoots putting on a show to the packed out pub.
David Pott and his wife have been the owners of the Market Inn for nearly 7 years. In previous years the pub’s main source of entertainment was sporting activities but due to a heavy increase in broadcast fees, they made the decision to move into the realm of live music instead. With the introduction of open-mic nights to the pub, along with other musical events including The Hop Festival, The Market Inn has started to become a music venue in its own right. The money from PRS for Music has allowed for brand new equipment including new PA system, staging and a backdrop which will help to encourage more bands to play and use it as a venue.
David Pott, Market Inn, Faversham said 'We were extremely pleased to win – pleased for us and for the pub. The prize money has been a great boost for the pub and the community and we have put it to good use. This will put The Market Inn firmly on the map for music. We’re already receiving demos from local bands who want to play here.'
David Pott, Market Inn, Faversham said 'We were extremely pleased to win – pleased for us and for the pub. The prize money has been a great boost for the pub and the community and we have put it to good use. This will put The Market Inn firmly on the map for music. We’re already receiving demos from local bands who want to play here.'
Keith Gilbert, Director of Public Performance Sales at PRS for Music said 'We want to support the pub trade however we can and it’s great to help a community pub enhance their facilities to help attract more business. Having both live and recorded music within a pub has been shown to be a winning combination to increase sales and we wish the Market Inn a successful future.'
David Wilson, Public Affairs Director, BBPA said ‘Pubs are vital in providing a platform for live music and local talent. It was great to see first-hand how the Music Makeover prize money has been invested in the Market Inn to create a brilliant venue for local musicians, enhancing the pub’s offer and supporting the vibrant local music scene.
With the Government responding to our calls to free up pubs from unnecessary red tape, the industry can continue to invest in pubs and keep them at the heart of their local community. It is great to work with PRS on the Music Makeover project, helping pubs make the most of their music offer.’
Look out for interviews with The Market Inn's landlord, David Pott and songwriter Keith Beauvais.
David Wilson, Public Affairs Director, BBPA said ‘Pubs are vital in providing a platform for live music and local talent. It was great to see first-hand how the Music Makeover prize money has been invested in the Market Inn to create a brilliant venue for local musicians, enhancing the pub’s offer and supporting the vibrant local music scene.
With the Government responding to our calls to free up pubs from unnecessary red tape, the industry can continue to invest in pubs and keep them at the heart of their local community. It is great to work with PRS on the Music Makeover project, helping pubs make the most of their music offer.’
Look out for interviews with The Market Inn's landlord, David Pott and songwriter Keith Beauvais.
