2012 competition winners

This year, the competition between our finalists was fierce, but after much deliberating our judges selected our 2012 winner; Lucie Fuller of The Burnaby Arms in Bedford. The Burnaby Arms displayed great ideas for improving their business and community links by offering live music in their pub. The £5,000 awarded will go towards installing new music equipment that the pub do not currently have.

Judges this year included; Horace Trubridge from the Musicians’ Union, Neil Williams from the British Beer and Pub Association, as well as PRS Chairman Guy Fletcher.

The Brunel Arms in Pontyclun, South Wales were also awarded a highly commended prize. They impressed the judges with their passion and dedication for live music. They will be awarded £2,500 to help them build on and improve their current live music facilities, to benefit their business and local community.

2011 competition winners

2011 winner

Our 2011 winners were David and Suzanne Pott of The Market Inn, Faversham, Kent.
They spent the money on improving their existing live music facilities – namely professional lighting, an in-house PA system and secondary glazing to prevent sound transfer to local residents.

David Pott said: “We were extremely pleased to win – pleased for us and for the pub. The prize money will be a great boost for the pub and the community. This will put The Market Inn on the map for music. We’re already receiving demos from local bands who want to play here.”

The Hussar in Margate and The Six Bells Inn in Peterstone, Cardiff, were also highly commended.

2010 competition winners

Landlady Nicola Berridge

The Royal Oak, Taunton, Somerset

This large country pub, run by Nicola Berridge and her family, had great potential. Nicola wanted to provide more regular live music and develop a space for community groups and clubs. With her prize money she is now able to do that.

Making music work for your pub

Download our advice leaflet with suggestions and handy tips on making music work for you.