If you’re looking for a midweek pick-me-up and love live music, we’ve got just the thing for you. The first Wednesday of every month, The Red Lion in Broughton transforms into a hub for local talent, thanks to the dynamic duo of Aiden Pryor and Steph Ashcroft. These two, who are part of the band The Whisky Flowers, have cooked up something truly special—a laid-back, open mic jam session that’s all about having fun with music and building confidence along the way.
Creating a Friendly Space for Musicians
For Aiden Pryor, the driving force behind these sessions, the vibe is everything. “I really wanted to create a welcoming space for musicians to play and jam,” Aiden shares. “Creating a friendly environment is so important to me. I know firsthand how nerve-wracking it can be to play in front of a live audience, and I want to make that experience as easy as possible for anyone that wants to get up and play.”
So, whether you’re a seasoned performer or it’s your first time stepping up to the mic, this is the place for you. No pressure, just good vibes and great tunes.
The Importance of Playing Live
Steph and Aiden are both firm believers in the power of live performance. “Getting up and playing live, no matter the size of the audience, is invaluable when it comes to progressing as an artist,” they explain. “It does wonders for your confidence, but also highlights the areas you might need to work on and grow—which is how anyone gets better.”
And they’re right. There’s something about the energy of a live audience that can push you to new heights, whether it’s nailing a tricky riff or finding your voice in front of a crowd. Plus, it’s great fun!
A Pub with a Passion for Music
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of an incredible local venue, The Red Lion. Aiden is quick to give credit where it’s due: “Duncan has been incredibly supportive. He’s a great landlord who’s really invested in making this a good local pub that’s welcoming and a real hub for local music. We need venues like this, not only for the community to enjoy but for somewhere for musicians to play.”
It’s not just about the music—it’s about building a community around it. And The Red Lion is doing just that, creating a space where people can come together to share, create, and appreciate live music.
Success So Far and What’s Next
The sessions at The Red Lion have already been a hit. “We’ve had real success with our sessions so far,” Aiden and Steph share. “We’ve seen some incredible talent get up and play, but also a really lovely audience. An audience that understands what kind of night it is and that it’s about encouragement and development, and having fun with music.”
So, what’s next? Well, that’s up to you. Aiden makes it clear that everyone’s welcome: “If anyone wants to get involved, just turn up. You don’t need to pre-plan it; hey, you don’t even need an instrument—we have plenty here you can use. If you want to get in touch beforehand, feel free to reach out on social media, but honestly, just show up and let one of us know you want to play, and we will make it happen. Equally, if you want any advice or support, please just let us know—we really are here to help and want to give a platform for people to play, grow, and thrive.”
So, mark your calendars for the first Wednesday of the month, grab your guitar (or borrow one there), and head to The Red Lion in Broughton. Whether you’re there to play or just to soak up the atmosphere, you’re guaranteed a night of great music and even better company.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your new favourite local artist!
