With the popularity of Open Mic evenings ever increasing in pubs around the Peterborough area, this has now become a regular feature of PBF. We simply have to give another opportunity to some of our less well-known individuals to show off their unique talents on the Beer Festival stage. This event will again be hosted by Stacey, so if you would like the opportunity to appear, do please contact her IN ADVANCE to register your interest.

Very Beautiful South are the UKs most authentic tribute to The Beautiful South and the genius song writing partnership of Paul Heaton & David Rotheray. Between 1989 and 2006, The Beautiful South clocked-up no less than 20 UK Top-30 hits with most making it into the UK Top-10. Celebrating this legacy is a group of enthusiastic and experienced musicians who are, first and foremost, lifelong fans of The Beautiful South. Quickly gaining themselves a reputation for putting on a hugely entertaining show, Very Beautiful South are the perfect tribute band for our Beer Festival.

This Lincs based professional three piece are a well-established Blues/Blues Rock/Blues Soul Band with a fantastic stockpile of tunes covering the whole range of the blues music with an entertaining and varied repertoire. Playing mainly covers with the occasional original songs the band has a fantastic reputation in East Midlands/ East Anglia regularly attracting new followers to their music style.

Retrolux have been playing classic rock around Cambridgeshire since 2003 so where better to celebrate their 20th anniversary than with a headline gig at Peterborough Beer Festival on a Thursday evening. Followers of the P’Town music scene will need no introduction to four of the areas most experienced and highly regarded musicians Ian Graham, Dave Colton, Fozzie and Chris Goodwin. Bring this talent together and you have as much talent as one stage can handle bringing you a fabulous selection of classic rock favourites. Yup, you can even sing along.

The Palmy Uke Band are a collective of likeminded folk who enjoy a pint and a strum. Kicking off the entertainment on Friday afternoon, PUB will be on stage presenting the joyful sound of their own ‘spin’ on sing-along, foot stomping popular tunes from across the decades. Comprising a full-house of talented uke players and singers, a pair of wild kazoo players, mesmerising Melodica Master and the unique rhythm section (one person, plenty of noise!) this is an experience not to be missed!

Division is a well-known, local acoustic duo best known for their amazing harmonies and excellent interpretation of some great covers. They have a huge repertoire of music ranging from the ‘50s all the way through to current day. They have a relaxed and friendly rapport with their audience, plus they enjoy a few ‘on-the-fly’ song requests from the crowd. You’re sure to be entertained by these guys!

Lincolnshire based band The Reckless cover classic rock and pop, with a focus on the 80’s. Hugely entertaining and much in demand at venues across the region, this high energy female fronted five piece are always on the money and ready to rock ‘n’ roll.

Following two strong studio releases, a nationwide tour with King King and coupled with a main stage appearance at Ramblin’ Man Festival, AUSTIN GOLD are causing a real stir with their sublime hard rock n roll style of music. The band comprising David James Smith (vocals & guitar), Lee Churchill (bass), Adam Leon (keyboards) and James Pepper (drums), have been building a reputation as one of the best live acts around. Their melting pot of influences come together to create something that is really very special. From heavy guitar riffs, to the most delicate heart-felt ballads; from atmospheric sonic landscapes, to hook-driven melodies; this is a band that deserves to be heard. Armed with their scintillating live show, Austin Gold are selling out venues and are in huge demand for festivals all over the country.

Flat cap-donning, bearded troubadour Mark is a country-tinged folk artist, storytelling via his music with lyrics which speak of life in both its ugliest and most beautiful moments. Mark’s self-penned debut EP “Rodeo” was released in 2022 and its lead single ‘The Boat Song’ was featured on BBC Music Introducing among other radio stations. A regular at festivals and events, Mark is a fine songwriter and performer with tender vocal and sublime guitar work.

Charismatic virtuoso guitarist Chris Watson, always compelling and with complete mastery over his craft. His past credentials include many of the great jazz artists across the world stage alongside more recent popular acts such as the Sugarbabes. Joining Chris will be Andy Clifton on Drums and Peter Ravenhill on Bass. Contemporary music thrusted forward by the power of improvisation, Chris Watson and his band create a performance unique to each and every venue. The mood of the performance is dictated by you, the listener!

Salmon Dave are a Peterborough based duo specialising in the unusual and the outlandish whilst featuring the occasional re-write of some of those well-known tunes you’ve all come to love (or hate). With a mix of comedy and great old sing-along songs this fun packed duo are always ready to encourage audience participation. Their sponsorship deal with McBains Oven Ready Ice Cubes has seen them pitched into the forefront of International stardom, so we consider ourselves very fortunate to have secured their appearance at Peterborough Beer Festival this year.

With a diverse, genre spanning repertoire, 23Reasons are a three piece band playing songs you know and love, but with an acoustic twist. Forming in 2017, with Scott - Vocals & Guitar, Simon – Guitar and Otto - Percussion they have played regularly in the Grantham and Peterborough area; building a strong reputation and are well known for their unique sound and style.

Groove Cartell have been performing since 2005 and will be bringing the full 10 piece band to this year’s Festival delivering high energy sets of classic and contemporary Funk & Soul. The band is fronted by Martin Ferguson backed by seasoned musicians and a five piece brass section. Expect to hear songs from the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Bruno Mars, The Jackson’s, Justin Timberlake, Chic, Parliament, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire and many more.