In our continued effort to highlight independent venues nationwide, Clash reached out to the team behind Future Yard, a cultural haven in Birkenhead, to delve into their journey. Opening just before the pandemic in an often-neglected area of Merseyside, Future Yard has since built a national profile. Its diverse programming and community-focused philosophy have helped bring attention to the region as a whole.
Clash visited Future Yard earlier this year and was impressed by the warm, familial atmosphere, with everyone—from the bar staff to sound engineers and pizza chefs—collaborating on a common goal.
This week, Future Yard celebrates its fifth anniversary—vive le Birkenhead!
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What do you know about Birkenhead? Perhaps something about the Mersey Ferry? Maybe you’ve heard in a pub quiz that Birkenhead Park inspired Central Park in New York? You might even know that Hamilton Square boasts the highest number of Grade 1 listed buildings outside of London. If you’re reading this, you may have also come across Future Yard. However, if you look closer, there’s a vibrant scene thriving on the Left Bank of the Mersey.
As Future Yard, a community music venue with a 280-capacity at the heart of Birkenhead, nears its fifth birthday, we take the time to reflect on our accomplishments during this period—launching amid the uncertainties of Covid and expanding our efforts within the local community. We also consider the contributions of other key independents in our close-knit community, all working to make a positive impact in an area known as one of the most economically challenged towns in England.
Since we opened our doors at the peak of a global pandemic, we've experienced significant growth, establishing ourselves as an essential stop on UK tours for both national and international artists (including Doves, Ibibio Sound Machine, Dry Cleaning, Black Uhuru, Nadine Shah, Lambrini Girls, and The Sugarhill Gang, among others). Moreover, we have redefined the role of a grassroots venue within the wider community, moving beyond merely hosting gigs.
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Our flagship Sound Check program takes on the dual role of an independent training provider, gearing up the next generation of sound engineers, lighting designers, and event managers. Sound Check engages local youth aspiring to careers in the live music industry, providing them with opportunities to launch their paths; it also revitalizes an industry that lost numerous skilled workers during the pandemic and desperately needs fresh talent. This initiative is immensely fulfilling for us, as we witness the transformation of young individuals who progress to run our in-house shows and broaden their experiences at various venues and festivals.
We also cater to families and the younger members of our community through the highly acclaimed Mosh Tots gigs for children. These events not only unite families through live music but also spark early creativity and a love for music, crucial in helping children establish foundational social and personal connections. Both this initiative and the Sound Check program were key objectives when founding Future Yard, driven by a desire to be more than just a music venue, but a force for social unity and change.
Our work with Mosh Tots has also paved the way for a pilot program with local primary schools in the Birkenhead and Wirral areas, integrating lessons from live events into educational settings. Furthermore, we are highly conscious of our environmental impact, recognizing that music venues have historically struggled with their carbon footprint. Therefore, we are dedicated to our long-term ambition of becoming the UK's first net-zero grassroots music venue by 2030. Our annual POP Climate Conference, which runs concurrently with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), creates an opportunity for industry discussions on sustainability and allows us to share updates on our net-zero roadmap.
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With a strong emphasis on local artist development, we aim to keep nourishing the Wirral's creative scene, which has previously produced success stories like The Coral, OMD, She Drew the Gun, High Vis, Half Man Half Biscuit, and Bill Ryder Jones—all of whom have influenced Future Yard in various ways. In fact, Bill Ryder Jones hosts his Yawn Studios’ annual festival at Future Yard, showcasing artists who have recorded there each summer. It has become a central aspect of our mission to collaborate closely with emerging local musicians, committing to various forms of support, including live opportunities and personal mentoring.
Four acts that have worked with us to great success are Astles, Trout, Maddie Lara, and a Lesser Version, all of whom will perform at our upcoming fifth birthday celebration on September 20th.
Astles
Described as “gorgeous, lilting indie” by the NME, Astles is a musical project led by multi-instrumentalist Dan Astles. A singer-songwriter deeply rooted in the Merseyside music scene, he has been performing since he was 16, well ahead of his 26 years. This year, he released his long-awaited debut album ‘Soundtrack for the 21 Bus Home’, inspired by a
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In line with our continuous effort to highlight independent venues nationwide, Clash reached out to the team at Future Yard, a cultural stronghold in Birkenhead.