WaterBear Music Bar Launch Party

Start: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 7:00PM
End: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 11:00PM

WaterBear Music Bar Launch Party – Live in Brighton ?? 14–17 Manchester Street, BN2 1TF ?? Wednesday 16 July ?? 7PM–11PM ?? Free Entry Brighton’s live music community gets a vibrant new home this July as WaterBear Music Bar opens in a venue rich with musical heritage. The bar launches on Wednesday 16 July with a free-entry night of live music from four standout acts: Congratulations, Sametime, Dirtsharks and Tia Ice. The building has previously welcomed artists including Amy Winehouse, The Kooks and Chris Difford. Now under the stewardship of WaterBear – The College of Music, it becomes the college’s second live venue in the city. ?? The Line-Up: Congratulations – A four-piece known for their break-beat driven, noise-pop energy and vibrant, colour-coordinated live aesthetic. Their chaotic, kinetic shows have drawn comparisons to acts like Jockstrap and Pom Poko. Sametime – Australian brothers Sam and Tim Aitken, now based in Brighton. A WaterBear alumni band with a pop-leaning sound and sharp songwriting instincts, they’ve played sold-out shows across the UK and built buzz at The Great Escape. Dirtsharks – Featuring another WaterBear alumni, they bring a heavier alt-rock presence with dynamic, violin-infused arrangements. They’ve performed at Boardmasters, The Great Escape, and toured across the south coast. Tia Ice – A WaterBear student and neo-soul vocalist, known for her soft, rich voice and spoken-word-infused songwriting. Her intimate sets tap into Brighton’s growing soul and R&B scene. The venue includes a basement live space and ground floor bar with a performance area. It will host touring acts, student showcases and events tied to WaterBear’s educational programmes. Its launch comes at a critical time for the UK’s grassroots music scene. According to the Music Venue Trust, two venues are closing every week, with over 120 shut down in the past year alone. As part of a direct response, WaterBear will serve Fightback Lager from launch day, with a portion of every pint supporting the Music Venue Trust’s national fund for independent venues. WaterBear’s new venue is also part of the Keeping Music Live campaign launched with the Trust, which raises awareness of the role grassroots venues play in shaping British music while encouraging direct action. Wednesday 16 July marks the start of a new chapter for a venue that helped shape Brighton’s musical past—and now plays a role in securing its future. ?? Doors open 7PM. Free Entry. Everyone welcome.