Get ready to welcome one of dance music’s true icons… the legendary Judge Jules!

Known for tearing up the world’s biggest festivals and superclubs, Judge Jules now brings his monumental sound to the intimate 300-capacity Strings.

This is your exclusive chance to experience one of dance music’s greats up close and personal, fresh from a packed 2025 that saw him storm venues across the UK, America and Australia.

Judge Jules isn’t just a DJ – he’s a pioneer who has shaped the scene from the late eighties right through to today. Since first stepping behind the decks in 1987, he’s done it all: DJ, producer, promoter, A&R, radio presenter – even entertainment lawyer.

On stage, he’s unstoppable. His electric energy and flawless track selection have ignited the planet’s most iconic venues – Gatecrasher, Ministry of Sound, Creamfields and more.

His legendary compilations for Ministry of Sound, Universal and Warner Bros have sold over three million copies worldwide.

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

We’re excited to announce our brand new Jam Night, which will take place on the first Wednesday of every month!

We’re encouraging local musicians to bring their instruments and get involved, with all abilities welcome. It is a chance to build your skills as well as meet other like-minded musicians. If you’re struggling to put the final members of a band together, this could be the place to find them. Don’t want to play right away? Come and hang out and witness the flow . . .

The first Grin & Tonic show of 2026 comes on Friday 09 January . . .

Our popular stand up night features some of the UK's best up & coming comedians, including a leading name in British cult comedy 'Joey Page'.

Over the last few years, Joey has built quite the reputation as a circuit favourite, for his hilarious observations coming from a working class hero trapped in the body of an east end hipster. His truly captivating stage presence leaves an audience feeling that they have seen something very special.

Others include the amazing Geordie Geoff, Lee Smith and Tim Sque - hosted by local favourite Bobbin Dixon. Get your tickets now on our website!

On Saturday 10 January we will be hosting ‘Blink-This’, a tribute to the pop-punk legends who turned teenage angst into anthems!

The trio that taught a generation how to laugh, cry and shout ‘na na na’ in perfect unison!

Closed for a Private Function.

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

James Walsh first found success as the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist with multi platinum band Starsailor with whom he still tours and releases the occasional album. 'Everything Will Be Ok' is James's 4th official solo album following 'Turning Point', 'Tiger On The Bridge' & 'Small Illusions'. He's also used his songwriting skills with artists as diverse as Professor Green and Melanie C.

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

On a three-man crusade to set dance floors alight with their inimitable brand of razor-sharp funk and disco, Edinburgh’s High Fade captured the attention of a global audience with their music amassing over 30 million views and streams within six months of their first release and, in the process, gaining recognition from music heavyweights including Jack Black, Cypress Hill, Deep Purple’s Glenn Hughes, and Brad Wilk from Rage Against The Machine.

Hells Bells are Europe's longest established AC/DC Tribute Band who have performed all over the UK as well as Portugal, Austria, Russia, Belgium, Czech Republic and the Middle East since 1996.

If you love AC/DC then you'll love their high energy performance - a show not to be missed.

Coach Party are a dynamic four-piece indie/rock fours piece from the Island,, known for their catchy, energetic, and sometimes raw sound, blending '90s alt-rock influences with personal, relatable lyrics. The band features Jess Eastwood (vocals/bass), Joe Perry (guitar), Steph Norris (guitar), and Guy Page (drums), and have gained buzz for their festival appearances, tours with big names like Queens of the Stone Age and successful albums like KILLJOY (2023) and Caramel (2025). 

They will be supported by another local act, 'Jank-Punkers' - The Pill. 

It's quizzing for the 21st Century. No waiting until the end of the round to find out if you're right. Automatic marking (so no need to swap papers) and a live leaderboard so you always know how you're doing against the other teams.

All you need is the FREE SpeedQuizzing Virtual Buzzer app on your smartphone or tablet (see below).

Drinks prizes to be won and if you are a regular player, your team could win tickets to a show at Strings if you top the leaderboard at the end of the month!

Bring your smartphone or tablet with the app pre-installed to save time.

Download the Speedquizzing Smartphone Virtual Buzzer app from Play Store or Apple Store via this link:-

https://bit.ly/speedquizzing

We are thrilled to announce our first Independent Venue Week artist is Lucy Spraggan, who will visit us on Wednesday 28th January 2026!

In 2012, Lucy entered the X Factor and went onto be the first contestant in history to score a Top 40 single and album before the live shows aired. She is proudly an independent artist, in charge of her career and in control of every aspect of the recording and creative process which makes her the perfect fit for us as an independent venue. As well as releasing seven studio albums, Lucy also released her memoir Process, an instant Sunday Times bestseller that entered the chart at #2. She also came joint first on the seventh series of the Celebrity series SAS: Who Dares Wins - don’t mess with her!

Tickets will be available on Wednesday 29th October via the app only! General sale will commence on Friday 31st October at 10am via the app and website.

Our second announcement of the day and our fourth act for ivw_uk - the amazing Girlband - who will play Strings on Thursday 29 January.

Girlband! are the new alternative three-piece from Nottingham. G, K-flo and Jada are a formidable force for good, a dynamic group that pull on influences from the 50s to the 90s, from music to skating, from Elvis to the personal and the social.

This is a great chance to see a band on the rise (while supporting your local venue of course!).

Legends of the UK live scene, DODGY, will be appearing at Strings on Saturday 31 January. There’s not many festivals or indeed towns that these boys haven’t played in the 34 years they’ve been together. In that time, they have released five albums, sold over 2 million records, been streamed over 50 million times worldwide and enjoyed 12 Top 40 singles, including the massive hit 'Good Enough' - officially one of the most played tracks on British radio in the last 30 years!

Dodgy are the latest act to be announced as part of our ivw_uk schedule.

We’re excited to announce our brand new Jam Night, which will take place on the first Wednesday of every month!

We’re encouraging local musicians to bring their instruments and get involved, with all abilities welcome. It is a chance to build your skills as well as meet other like-minded musicians. If you’re struggling to put the final members of a band together, this could be the place to find them. Don’t want to play right away? Come and hang out and witness the flow . . .

Tommy Scott is the lead singer and songwriter for the multi-Platinum selling band Space. Tommy has had numerous hits with the band since it formed in 1995 and returns to Strings as part of a 25th anniversary solo tour.

Who is ready for a superb daytime party . . . with BEZ!??

Bez is best known as the maraca player, dancer and de facto mascot of rock band Happy Mondays, having been invited by lead singer Shaun Ryder shortly after the band was formed. He is chiefly remembered for his bizarre style of dancing and use of maracas. He then became a member of Ryder’s next group Black Grape.

We know you love a daytime party so make sure you don’t miss a day of 90s and 00s bangers with Bez at the helm spinning the tracks!

Mark Morriss is a singer songwriter who famously made his name fronting English indie outfit The Bluetones. Mark fronted the four piece over a successful and fruitful 15 year period, scoring 14 top ten singles and 3 top ten albums.

Established in 2002, Flash: A Tribute to QUEEN stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest rock bands in history. With an impressive track record of over 22 years, Flash has become the epitome of Queen tribute excellence, enchanting audiences across the globe with their supreme performances.

The UK’s No.1 Live Queen Tribute Band

Flash has earned its place as the UK’s premier live Queen tribute band through a relentless dedication to replicating the magic of Queen's iconic live performances. Having dazzled audiences with an average of over 100 shows per year, Flash has solidified its reputation as the go-to act for an authentic Queen experience.

Hels Pattison is a Newcastle based artist blending contemporary indie rock with traditional country soul.

Heartfelt, relatable lyrics and ethereal vocals make her a standout artist. Hels' debut EP was released on the 17th January 2025, capturing far reaching influences, from Phoebe Bridgers to Mary Chapin Carpenter.

The Rave - Mental Health Matters - is night dedicated to raising money for the Youth Trust.

A range of DJ’s will be performing throughout the evening, covering a host of electronic genres.

Tickets are £10 on the door.

James Warren and John Baker are the Lead vocalists of The Korgis. Formed in Bath in 1978, their first hit was “If I had You” ( UK 13) in 1979 followed in 1980 by the Worldwide hit “Everybodys Got to Learn Sometime” ( UK 5) Number 1 in France and Spain and Top 10 in Australia, Netherlands and Italy.

James started his musical career in the hugely popular British prog rock band Stackridge who had an album produced by Beatles Producer George Martin. John started in Graduate alongside Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith (Tears For Fears) and they had an album produced by Tony Hatch (writer of UK and US Number 1 Downtown and numerous TV themes, Neighbours, Emmerdale, Crossroads). 

You will be treated to songs from their long career as well as songs from the people they have worked with with like Peter Gabriel,  and people they regard as great influences, The Beatles, Everly Brothers, and more.

Great stories and a laid back Acoustic musical treat.

Our Friends Electric returns on Friday 27 February, offering the best in 80s synth-pop and new romantic classics.

If you love your 80's music, this is your chance to be flamboyant, eccentric and everything in between!

Kids everywhere are obsessed with K-Pop, and now they can experience the magic live on stage with K-POP SUPERSTARS!

This high-energy 60 minute family friendly show brings the excitement, sparkle and style of Korean pop music straight to young audiences in a fun, interactive celebration of music and dance.

Featuring a talented all-female cast of four dynamic performers, K-Pop Superstars bursts into life with SPECTACULAR choreography, STUNNING costumes and HIT SONGS inspired by global sensations like BTS, BLACKPINK and DEMON HUNTERS. From the first beat kids are singing, dancing and feeling like true K-Pop stars!

Get ready for audience participation, dazzling visuals and the lateste trends kids love.

K-Pop Superstars is the ultimate feel-good family experience, bright,bold and bursting with pop power!

Plus after the show there is a meet and greet for everyone.

Andrew Browning as George Michael with support from The Rules Band live at Strings Bar & Venue Saturday 28th Feb 2026-Pop-Soul-Funk & Disco

Join us for an unforgettable night at Strings Bar and Venue as Andrew Browning brings the iconic sound and style of George Michael to the stage.

Warming up the night are The Rules Band, delivering high-energy soul, funk, and disco classics.

Expect a feel-good evening packed with timeless hits, electric performances, and a vibrant atmosphere

Odyssey, one of the most successful soul/disco acts of their era, culminated in the early 1980’s when they topped the charts with “Use It Up and Wear It Out”, scoring several other Top Ten hits in Britain and throughout the world.

From their debut album emerged their first smash single - “Native New Yorker”, an international hit late in 1977. Lillian’s eldest son, Steven Collazo had become part of Odyssey behind the scenes from its inception, recording as a background vocalist, journeyman session musician and musical director for their live performances and tours.  A couple of years later, the group cut their “Hang Together” album.  It contained “Use It Up and Wear It Out”, while the flipside, “Don’t Tell Me, Tell Her” received major airplay on US Black Radio. In the UK, “Use It Up” shot to the top ten and number one chart hit, followed by “If You’re Looking For A Way Out”, “Inside Out”, and the Lamont Dozier classic “Going Back To My Roots”, among others.

Introducing The Sons of Guns, who will visit Strings on Thursday 19 March.

The SoG are a folk-rock/Americana band based in Nice, France, blending warm 70s-inspired harmonies with modern storytelling and vibrant musicianship. Known for their sun-soaked sound and rich vocal layers, they’ve been gaining momentum with their debut EP You Shine the Sun and the uplifting single I Got It Right.

With a style that mixes classic rock influences and heartfelt songwriting, the band continues to build a growing fanbase across Europe and the UK.

The Real People, or “The Realies” as they are known to their fans, formed in 1987 and over the following four years were as pivotal as The La’s and The Stone Roses in reinventing rock & roll, after the synth-led new wave music which had dominated the 80s.

They signed to Columbia Records in 1989, releasing their self titled album and the singles “Open Up your Mind”, “Window Pane”‘ and “The Truth”‘ all to critical acclaim. They sold over 100,000 copies of the album and made significant inroads into Europe, Japan and the US.

The follow up “Marshmellow Lane” led off with the top 40 single “Believer” but their label was sold to Sony and the band became an early victim of major label expansion at the expense of talent. CBS became an imprint of Sony and The Real People left. “Marshmellow Lane” sat on the shelf until some of the tracks from it were included in the compilation “The Calm Before the Storm” which celebrated Liverpool’s contribution to Britpop.

The Police were a revolution when they burst onto the music scene in 1977. The CoPolice faithfully recreate the celebrated vintage new wave music from Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.

Hailing from Cambridgeshire, the power-trio The Copolice are a tribute band dedicated to channelling the iconic sound and energy of The Police. Their journey began as passionate fans of this legendary band and they’ve meticulously crafted their performances to honour their music. The band members bring a wealth of experience and a shared love for The Police's timeless hits.

The performances are more than just renditions; they're immersive experiences that transport audiences back to the heyday of The Police. From the infectious rhythms of Roxanne to the anthemic power of Every Breath You Take, they meticulously recreate the essence of The Police's discography, ensuring that every strum, beat, and lyric resonates with authenticity and passion.

Folk-rock rebels Blackbeard’s Tea Party celebrate 10 years of their seminal album ‘Reprobates’, a collection of stories about wrong’uns from history. They debuted material from the album during their now legendary appearance at Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, and it was the album that earned them thousands of new fans. 

Mixing sounds of traditional folk and classic rock, Blackbeard’s Tea Party look back to the album that reviewers called “a hell of a lot of fun” (R2 Magazine), “convincing and essential” (fRoots) and “unforgettable and exceedingly invigorating” (Living Tradition). 

Tony Hawk’s fans . . . The 900 are back in town on Saturday 28 March!

Following what can only be described as one of the best doses of nostalgia we’ve had, The 900 return to play the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack LIVE!

Those that came last year will remember a night of energy, jumping, stage diving and of course . . . gaming!

Formed by their mutual understanding that no other soundtrack could ever top THPS, The 900 will give you a reason for your back to hurt in the morning!

Get those tickets now and get ready to kickflip into every banger from THPS 1 to American Wasteland!

50 years after the genre turned the music world upside-down, Grade 2 bring the raw power of old school punk to a new generation. Their second release on Tim Armstrong's legendary Hellcat Records is a thumping 15 track tour de force melding the uncompromising ethos of punk with the howl of contemporary injustice, personal identity and frustrations of Gen-Z youth, authentically told by three lads with punk coursing through their veins.  

Tom Hingley was lead singer of  the Inspiral Carpets from 1989 to 2011 and sang on all the bands hits and four albums.  Tom will be performing songs from the 30+ years of the Inspiral Carpets including the hits, such as This Is How It Feels, Dragging Me Down and Saturn Five.

Letz Zep are internationally recognised as the Number One tribute to Led Zeppelin and Baby they ain't foolin'.

When Robert Plant says it is like watching himself onstage, 'I walked in, I saw me' was his comment about vocalist Billy Kulke, Jimmy Page says 'That was ambitious but you pulled it off' to guitarist Andy Gray when he attended a show by Letz Zep. When legendary Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant once described Toby Sadler as 'The New John Paul Jones' when Toby played in a band with Jason Bonham.

With drummer Jake Blackwell being the son of Robert Plant drummer Chris Blackwell. Chris performed recorded and wrote with Robert on his Now and Zen, Fate of Nations and Manic Nirvana era . . . Then there can be no closer proximity to the Led Zeppelin experience.

The authoritative Ticketmaster organisation awarded the band 'The Most Popular' and 'The Most Highly Rated' tribute to Led Zeppelin today.

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.

Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. During 2019 Mad Dog Mcrea will be in the studio recording a new album.

The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!

Bare Jams is a dynamic collective that blends feel-good pop with elements of soul, funk, jazz, and rock, creating a soundscape that's both diverse and familiar. They have built a reputation for tight, exuberant, and genuinely candid performances, with music that spans a wide array of genres and line-ups. Focusing on catchy hooks, motivational lyrics and singable horn lines, they create an infectious sound that’s both unique and familiar.

The UK’s best tribute to Coldplay return to Strings on Saturday 25 April!

Ultimate Coldplay are the closest you can get to the real thing with such attention to detail that you start to question whether that really is Chris Martin! They are always in demand so if you want to catch them grab your tickets now! . . . We may have even saved some confetti from New Years’ Eve especially for them!

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the '70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits "Hocus Pocus", "House of The King" and "Sylvia", as well as critically acclaimed albums 'Moving Waves', 'Focus 3' and 'Hamburger Concerto', the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!    

Closed for a Private Function . . .

If you would like to the hire the venue for your own private function, please get in touch via the website or email info@stringsbarandvenue.com

Colin Blunstone, lead singer of The Zombies and acclaimed Solo Artist, returns to UK stages with the “Believe In Miracles” Tour, his first national solo outing in 7 years.  The tour title is a nod to Blunstone’s 1972 hit “I Don’t Believe In Miracles” (penned by Argent singer/guitarist Russ Ballard), but is also a reflection on his remarkable 7-decade career.  Blunstone relates, “I joined The Zombies as a teen thinking it would be a two or three year adventure.  Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined it would lead to a lifetime in music…and that at the tender age of 80, I’d be the subject of a documentary, recording a new album and embarking on a major tour!”.  

For more than three decades, Fabio & Grooverider have stood at the forefront of a movement that has evolved from underground raves to a worldwide phenomenon. Their influence has shaped generations of artists – from Chase & Status and Wilkinson to Sub Focus many of whom first received airplay and recognition through the duo’s award-winning 14-year show on BBC Radio 1.

Together and apart, their output helped define every era of Drum & Bass — from jungle’s raw beginnings to the present-day diversity of liquid, tech, minimal, jump-up, and halftime styles.

Myspace or Yours is more than a tribute band – it’s a full-on nostalgia trip back to the social networking days of the 2000s - and they will be at Strings on Saturday 09 May!!

Specialising in live dedications to the biggest pop-punk, emo and screamo anthems, Myspace or Yours covers everything from My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy to Linkin Park and beyond. Their setlist is a love letter to the bands that defined a generation – the tracks you blasted on your Myspace profile, the ones that shaped your teenage soundtrack . . .

Expect high-energy performances, sing-along choruses and all the angst you remember (and secretly still love). Whether you were an OG scene kid or just want to experience the glory days of eyeliner and skinny jeans, Myspace or Yours will take you straight back to the era of bulletins, Top 8 drama and black nail polish. Because when it comes to emo… it’s Myspace or Yours!

Get those tickets now on our app or via the website!

Billy Bibby was the founding member and lead guitarist of Catfish and the Bottlemen and he was instrumental in writing and releasing their debut album, 'The Balcony,' which charted Top 10 and was certified 2x platinum in the UK, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. Since then, Billy has fronted other bands, HAIG and Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles, touring extensively across the UK and building a significant following. For this unique tour, Billy will solely focus on and celebrate his contribution to 'The Balcony' album, something he has never done before!

Billy Bibby will be performing the first Catfish album in its purest form with a stripped-back acoustic set featuring all the tracks recorded on it. The Balcony Tour will be full of nostalgia, powerful delivery and include short anecdotes about the times spent writing and recording it with the band. This is a must-see for Catfish fans!

Get ready to be transported back in time to the electrifying era of rock ‘n’ roll as INXS GB pays homage to the legendary Australian band, INXS.

Multi-platinum British pop band Scouting for Girls will bring their infectious, feel-good hits to Robin Hill on Sunday 16 August, for a special open-air performance in the woodlands, set to be one of the highlights of the summer.

Known for chart-topping singles including “She’s So Lovely,” “Elvis Ain’t Dead,” and “Heartbeat,” Scouting for Girls have built a reputation for energetic, crowd-pleasing live shows that get audiences singing along from start to finish.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Strings again to bring an unforgettable live music experience to the woodlands at Robin Hill” says Lee Priddle, co-owner and CEO of Robin Hill Adventure Park. “Their vision aligns perfectly with our ambition to create unique, atmospheric events on the Island, and Scouting for Girls is the perfect Sunday headliner to finish what promises to be an incredible weekend”