09 Jan 2026
The Pioneer Club is back with a bang in 2026, kickstarting a year of exciting events with Independent Venue Week, a national campaign to celebrate grassroots music venues and the people who work in them (26th January – 1st February).
They have unveiled a packed programme that promises something for everyone, with tickets ranging from £5 to £12.
lt all starts on Tuesday January 27 with a film screening of High Fidelity, presented alongside local record shop Empire Records. Fans of the cult classic can relive Rob Gordon’s vinyl-laden journey while Empire’s own Eddie spins soundtrack favourites before and after the film for a unique cinema-meets-record shop experience.
Wednesday January 28 brings St Albans Calling Unplugged, showcasing the best local musicians in an intimate, lounge-style gig. Acts including The Hanging Bandits, Vik, Dead The Will and Many Bats will perform stripped-back versions of their songs to raise funds to enable local CIC St Albans Arts Team to deliver on their programme of community art projects in and around St Albans.
The week continues on Thursday 29 January with Bron Com & Friends – a SOLD-OUT comedy night featuring the local Instagram sensation in the main room alongside an ensemble of UK comic talent.
Music lovers are in for a treat later in the week with GIRLBAND! on Friday January 30. This brilliant trio from Nottingham have been described as “a punk band making pop songs” and their show will feature support from the exciting South London-based band Bugeye.
On Saturday January 31 the enchanting Stone Jets hit the stage with their distinctive, uplifting sound that has been winning fans across the UK and Europe the past few years. Also on the bill that night are Silhouettes (soulful folk) and Dave Burn (folk).
Independent Venue Week closes with a very special Young Pioneers Night on Sunday February 1, spotlighting exciting up-and-coming bands on the main stage, handpicked by local college students, who are running the event both onstage and behind-the-scenes. The Suet Yard stage will see performances from talented local under 18s who have been participating in the Young Pioneers Open Mic nights in 2025.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there: The Pioneer Club’s wider 2026 calendar already features nights like:
- A Punk/Reggae Party featuring The Clash tribute band The Trash, The SGs & Ramona Marx (February 7)
- Retired Ravers Club Night featuring Krafty Kuts and Plump DJs (March 21)
- Ska Club All Dayer featuring Death of Guitar Pop (May 2)
- Colin Blunstone on his Believe In Miracles Tour (May 9)
You can find The Pioneer Club on Heathlands Drive, AL3 5AY, and tickets are available at www.pioneerclub.co.uk/pioneer-events
