OMA’s 2025

Eclectic Achievement: Helena Mace

Helena Mace is a well-established country-pop artist and singer-songwriter based in the Bournemouth.
Although, now registered deaf due to a tumour in her brain, which causes many challenges, she has not let it stop her performing and recording and is now currently working on her 8th studio album with Matt Black at Hangover Hill Records. Three of her previous albums Number 1 in the ITUNES country charts, and made the All genre top 10.
In 2022 Helena was recipient of The Gary Perkins Angel Award for an
outstanding contribution to country music in the UK. Then, in 2023, she was named UK Female Country Singer of the Year. Backed by her band, RumSoaked, she performed at the Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards October 2024 bringing home trio/band of the year and she also recently won UK Country Artist of the Year 24 in the West Midlands.
Helena was very overwhelmed to receive the prestigious Musician of the year award 2025 at the FPCM Red carpet awards in the Netherlands and has been invited back in 2026 as a Nominee.

Grassroots Music Hero: Lyn Mackenzie

Based in Weymouth, Lyn has been a champion of the grassroots music scene for many years and is well loved by Dorset musicians. She has given them a platform to perform making sure that they feel welcome and supported. Alongside local bands and artists her venues have hosted touring bands, open mics and her ever popular open jam sessions where anyone can get up and join in on the stage.
The stand out quality in Lyn is that she inspires a strong team behind her, which in turn enhances the quality of the entertainment at her venues for both the performers and the audience

Lifetime Achievement Award: Paul Tucker

From his first public performance in 1981 at the infamous Third Side Club in Bournemouth, Paul Tucker has racked up over 20 bands and countless local venues where he was the soundman of choice. He has taught guitar for decades, worked for Cash Guitars for 12 years, and then Langdons Electric Guitars in Southbourne, creating the Southern Ukulele Store which now resides
at Absolute Music. It’s safe to say Paul has been involved with the local music scene in all it’s corners for decades and richly deserves this Lifetime Achievement Award.

Supporting Original Music: Dave Brown & The Tap & Grape Broadstone

Dave Brown and the team took the venue on 10 days before the Covid pandemic lockdown. They then had some decisions to make about which direction to go in, would it be food, just a bar or have the addition of live music?
As big lovers of live music they decided to put some on and see what happened. From there it’s continued to grow, more artists and bands got in touch so they made it a regular thing.
Alongside their regular covers artists keeping everyone entertained they have also hosted touring bands and a regular open mic showcase for original artists.
Dave says on musicians “We love their love of what they do and the uniqueness they all bring to their shows. We like to keep the live music scene fresh in the same way we do with our drinks, offering classics everyone knows
and the quirky nobody’s heard of”

Unwavering Support To Local Musicians: Ben Waters

“Key shattering Boogie Woogie” is how the Guardian newspaper described Ben Waters after a concert at Ronnie Scott’s—known for energetic performances and powerful renditions of early boogie-woogie and Rock n’ Roll. Waters always plays music that he loves, the music of his heroes Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis,
Amos Milburn, Little Richard, Ian Stewart and a host of other piano players.
In between his busy working schedule he makes time to mentor emerging musicians giving them opportunities on the road with him. After the pandemic when the local music industry and performers were really struggling he developed his own festival ‘Raising Spirit’ allowing musicians to take the stage in front of the masses once again and the chance to earn an income.

Unsung Heroes: The Mistakes

The Mistakes are a high-energy punk band from Poole, known for their raw sound and explosive live shows.
Since forming in 2009 they’ve toured the UK and Europe, rocking venues from Bournemouth to Berlin. The band have put out a host of quality releases on their own NBQ record label. They have also over the past few years set up their own NBQ festival, giving their support to a host of local acts from the Dorset music scene.

Hometown Harmony Award: Rob Hoare (Square Records)

Next year will mark Rob’s 40 year of working in record shops. He joined ‘Woody’s Records in Ferndown in 1986, then moved to Square Records in Wimborne in 1996.
He has managed both shops and gained a huge knowledge of music in general and the local scene, there would be few people that could beat him in a quiz.
Rob also used to play drums in two local punk bands – Intestines and Butcher. He is still active on the local scene and has provided help as a volunteer at alternative/punk festival Fazza Fest in memory of his late friend Faren Short.
This has involved putting on a few unique gigs actually in the record shop in Wimborne itself, which has been a great success with more planned. It was also noted that Rob bought every attendee a drink too.

The Alex JT Award: Sanguis Mortem

This award is in the name of Alex JT who was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in his early teens, he went on to have many successes in both live performance as a musician and also producing music for the gaming industry before his untimely death aged 29 from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. His parents have chosen to have this award presented to an artist or band who strive to work hard at what they do despite facing challenges.

Sanguis Mortem are a teenage thrash metal fusion band who have already released 6 singles and supported notable UK bands in their scene. One of their members works within his autistic constraints and they pull together as a team
to ensure they achieve their goals. This is a band who are all about the talent and not the adversities that may hold others back.

Services To The Community: Absolute Music

For most musicians in the area, Absolute Music is the go-to place for any new equipment that they need. As well as being a fantastic music shop with staff who have expert knowledge and advice it also offers repair services, studio hire and puts on it’s own events.
It is the home of Bournemouth Academy Of Modern Music (BAMM), a post-16 college with courses that cover everything music industry related.
It’s charitable side is the Absolute Music Trust which is enriching lives through music and aims to give every child the opportunity to learn to play. Musicians would agree this is a highly deserved award.

Inspirational Person: Dan Baker

Dan Baker is a highly talented musician who not only performs but has also run numerous open mics and jam sessions in Blandford and the surrounding areas, always with words of encouragement for those who may be feeling the nerves.
Dan has recently undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour and is now on the road to recovery, although such a major operation has required him to relearn things that had become second nature whilst having to adjust to
playing instruments in a different way. Throughout his personal journey he has remained positive and most certainly an inspiration to others to make the most
of life.

Crossroads, Dorchester
Located in Poundbury this gem of a cafe displays local art and serves coffees, cocktails and tapas. Its easy parking, has a ramp and accessible toilet, all one level making it good access for both audience and performers, friendly staff and table service.
It hosts occasional live music events in the evenings and is dog friendly so your pooches can have a great time out to!

The Tap & Grape, Broadstone
The Tap & Grape has woven itself into the fabric of the local community since its establishment. Founded with a vision to create a welcoming space for friends and families. It has disabled parking spaces nearby, enabling level access to a friendly vibrant pub with disabled facilities. Over the years, The Tap & Grape has evolved, becoming a vibrant hub for social gatherings and a beloved local institution, marked by significant achievements such as community awards and a loyal customer base that continues to grow.

The Angel, Poole
Step into one of Poole’s most exciting bars and kitchens. Their pizza menu starts with freshly handmade dough and secret recipe sauce, topped with the finest ingredients to bring you the best pizza in Poole!
Whilst enjoying their menu you can sit back, relax and listen to a great selection of live music. They offer a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for all, and the great service that will make you want to return. It’s a great surprise to find a pub in Poole’s historic old town that has completely accessible facilities.

Sponsoring this award

Echotown Studio is a purpose-built studio, designed and created in 2022. It was inspired by our love for the heritage of the classic studio but also in building one of the first fully accessible studios in the UK.
It is co-owned by singer-songwriter Nick Capaldi, who knew exactly what he wanted as a musician and made it a reality. Nick’s vision was to own an affordable, inclusive studio with quality, unrivalled gear in a location that provides both inspiration and tranquillity. This was a space he had never experienced before.

Being an unsigned artist, they were either too expensive or they were in a windowless room or had the most boring views (mainly car parks). He also found when visiting previous studios with his wife Grace, how inaccessible a lot of them are, so he was determined to make sure Echotown Studio broke the mould.

Nick’s vision was completed in March 2022. A purpose-built recording studio was opened to the public and has received deserved glowing praise and approval from its clients. Its combination of being professional but homely with added quirks has built it a fast reputation for being one of the best world class studios in the UK amongst serious musicians, authors, engineers and producers.

Dead Horse Bay
Named after an abandoned radioactive beach in Brooklyn, New York, littered with broken bottles and bones that as the waves caress it’s shoreline, a grotesquely unique symphony can be heard.
Dead Horse Bay the band hopes to create a similarly beautiful and broken soundscape that weaves together blues, jazz, punk, rock, and hip-hop into something monstrous and magnificent that they are calling “street folk”. They play with the soul and sound of spoken word atop the pulsating heart and rhythm of the double bass.

The Surfin’ Birds
The Surfin’ Birds are a psychedelic rock and roll surf band led by the Sharod brothers from the South Coast of England.
A core fixture of the southern music scene for over 10 years, brothers Paul and Liam Sharod returned to their sonic-primal garage roots in the bubble of lockdown to create a multitude of new music. Joined by electrifying newcomer, bassist Bobbie Sparks, the Birds have been busy recording three new albums in their portable homegrown studio (funded by countless weekend gigs and Paul’s binman wages) with the intention of capturing the high-octane energy and infectious excitement of their live performances. Inspired by the rawness of old blues records, 70s rock fusion and 60s rhythm & blues, they’ve deliberately pursued a more low-fi sound embedded with that classic dirty, sweaty British attitude. Their next album, Blue Room, is rooted in hardcore Americana, while the following two will aim to push the limits of psychedelic sound.

The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show
The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show are a modern-day, Dorset-based folk-punk band known for their energetic, ramshackle sound blending Americana, bluegrass, and punk with catchy melodies and dark, storytelling lyrics about life, love, politics, and black magic, often featuring up to eight musicians with instruments like banjo, fiddle, accordion, and guitar, creating a unique, chaotic, yet heartfelt sound that’s both danceable and Memorable.

Sponsoring this award

Wytch
Originating from Dorset the band has already received great feedback from
both UK and worldwide radio play and their live performances have amassed plenty of attention ‘as ones to watch’
Androgynous frontman Jordan Watts creates a haunting vocal sound, implementing a high octave range and mystical lyricism.
In the backline you can expect to find a unique sound comprising of strong guitar work from Jordan and Chris Davies, a thundering bassline groove from Ray Holford, hard hitting recognisable drum work from Simon Edwards and the airy charm of synths and keys.
Amidst the retro revival is a band that brings that sound and feel to the modern day.

Kayleigh & The Tryhards
Born in the crucible of sacred hymns, raised on the creaking boards of the stage, and now found at the end of the earth; Kayleigh and the Tryhards is a band for the apocalypse. They craft songs that resonate with the urgency of our times entwined with the memory of a distant past. Kayleigh’s commanding voice and sharp lyricism channels feminine rage and dark theatricality. She is joined by the yearnful melodies of Shaun Gary Palmer on lead guitar, the driving punk sensibilities of Tom Jackson on bass, and the rhythmic heartbeat of Matt Miles on percussion.

NÆMA
NÆMA merges shimmering pop vocals with alt-rock grit, deep funk undertones, and explosive metal rhythms. The result: a bouncy hybrid that feels both familiar and fearlessly new.
Striving to create something new and unique, NÆMA doesn’t follow the rulebook of sticking to a genre. Tia brings the pop, Tom the Alt-Rock, Ethan the funk & supporting vocals and Joey the metal. Each track they release builds on this combination, crafting their own unique and energetic sound track by track.
With only a handful of singles released, NÆMA is the new band on the block; but they are here to leave their mark. Building up to the release of their debut EP early next year, it’s something you don’t want to miss

Sponsoring this award

Vocalzone helps you keep a clear voice when you need it most.

The Vocalzone throat care range is specifically formulated to soothe hard-working voices, and has been trusted by many of the world’s most iconic voices since 1912.
The renowned line-up of Vocalzone Throat Pastilles and Vocalzone Tea has a new addition, with Vocalzone Spray launching to great acclaim in June 2025.
Vocalzone is the go-to choice for anyone who relies on their voice for their livelihood.
A family business based in Dorset, Vocalzone is a proud supporter of the OMAs.

The Rustic Stomp
A family-friendly, roots-driven music festival Wareham. Enjoy three days of Americana, folk, blues and alternative music across four unique stages. Celebrating the entire roots spectrum – traditional, alternative, acoustic and experimental. Add to that delicious food, independent bars, glamping & wellbeing spaces, workshops and artisan stalls it’s a recipe for a good time.
Hosting over 60 acts including an open mic/jam stage it’s inclusive, community driven ethos comes out in everything it does.

Shaftesbury Fringe
Shaftesbury Fringe is an open access performing arts festival that takes place every summer, on the third weekend of July, in the beautiful hilltop town of Shaftesbury, Dorset. It’s run by a small group of unpaid volunteers, all of whom live in or near the town.
We welcome both new and established artists to perform and exhibit in one of over 30 unique venues within our town, which have ranged from traditional venues, like our arts theatre, the town churches and various pubs, to a bathtub in a shop window, the rear garden of a dentist, the outside area of our local garden centre, and a florist’s shop floor. There truly is a venue for everyone.

Poole Harbour Festival
Poole and Bournemouth’s biggest family & live music festival. With over 60 live acts across SIX stages, an array of delicious street food, tasty desserts and a large selection of local ales and ciders. With craft, design & festival clothing stalls, there is something for everyone. Having just won Gold in the Tourism Awards 2025 the team has shown that all their hard work since the beginning in 2016 has really paid off.

Sponsoring this award

Banasar
Hailing from the rugged and strange wilds of Dorset, Banasar have been making their mark with their own brand of psychedelic and blues tinged extreme metal. Cutting their teeth alongside Thou, Cultura Tres and Earthtone 9, they have developed a ferocious and captivating live set.
Comprising former members of Victus, Fissure of Riddles, Thuum, and Wallow, the band’s lineup are veterans of the south coast sludge metal scene, bringing years of collective experience to their expansive sound.
Formed in 2024, Banasar is: Vocals: Andrew “Meths” Wiltshire Guitar: Mark Taylor Guitar: Andy Nevitt Bass: Ashley Davy Drums: Dave Webber
In the tradition of Acid Bath, Iron Monkey, Kyuss and Soilent Green

Sanguis Mortem
Sanguis Mortem are a teenage thrash metal fusion band, flourishing from the terrains of the British South-Coast, made up of Oli Bridle (drums), Nick Mora (guitar and backing vocals), Tadhg Pinheiro (vocals) and Aiden Smith (bass). Having released 6 singles for their upcoming debut album, ‘Merry Doomsday’, releasing in March, and having supported notable industry acts such as UK Thrashcore icons ‘Tortured Demon’, South-American Sludge/ Thrash Legends, ‘Cultura Tres’, (feat. Paulo Jr. Of ‘Sepultura’) as well as formerly Peter Steele’s, ‘Carnivore A.D.’ they speed into 2026 with the velocity of a bullet train.
Currently on their debut UK Nuclear Winter tour, they have a big year to look forward to going into 2026: 3 Big tours to be announced and multiple very high-profile festivals mark a huge upcoming year for Sanguis Mortem. A first full album release is expected for March 2026.

Described by Moshville Times as:
You know those annoying kids who are about 1/4 of your age and yet a way better at things than you are? Well, here’s another bunch of them”

The Dukes Of Hades
Dorset based 2 piece The Dukes Of Hades is the brainchild of Gareth Brunsdon ( Eternal (pre Electric Wizard), Spirmyard, Sludgefeast) and Steve Lynch ( The Electric Shakes, Teaspoonriverneck, Burg & The Vagabond Choir).
Formed in 2022 the duo take the buzzsaw influence from early Swedish Death Metal bands and add their own brand of Deth N Roll and combine it with a brutal fuzzed out assault of Sludgey Doom riffage and some heavy ass pummelling drums.
Using mythological leanings to the underworld and it’s reference to today’s hell like climate, whilst screaming about the atrocities and injustice we all have to endure.
Their debut E.P ‘Oracle Of The Dead’ recorded live and mixed in 2 days at Blank Studios, Newcastle and engineered by Sam Grant of PigsX7, has been gaining top tier reviews and has been featured in the worldwide Doom charts top 40.
Bang your heads, Raise your fists, Fight the power!!!

Dixie Dix
Dixie Dix is the founder of Dorset based Originality Live.
Originality Live has been running for over 3 years now and has quickly spread to multiple venues throughout Dorset including, Anvil Rock Bar, Chaplins and the cellar bar and The Four Horsemen.
From mixed metal nights to acoustic showcase , OL provides a platform for brilliant original bands and musicians to showcase their talents.
A musician themself, Dixie grew up engrossed in music and musical theatre, pursing their passion in live music performance and songwriting from a young age. Through Originality Live Dixie hopes to help boost the local grassroots music scenes and give opportunities to new and upcoming bands, with exciting plans for 2026, Dixie is honoured to be nominated for best promoter.

“Together, We Make Things Happen!”

NEVERLAST Events started some 17 years ago in what was the Central Bars, Lower Parkstone with a St George’s day SHINDIG. The name was a pun as it started out b ing a one-off event, that just kept going, it wasn’t really meant to last. As the events kept happening, it lit a fire in primo Ski Daddle, the environment around COVID and the Cellar ensuing WeMakeEvents campaign put petrol on the fire and added yet more zeal.
We are committed to re-energising the original live music scene in our area by championing grassroots talent and introducing exciting national and international acts that authentically fit the region’s independent music culture. Through NEVERLAST Events, we are working to reopen and revitalise venues where original music has long been missing—such as The Vault, Camden’s Green Room and The White Hart—restoring these creative spaces to the vibrant, community-centred hubs they once were.
We also actively support and elevate established venues,. communities and events, injecting fresh acts, new energy and unforgettable live experiences into Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar, The Bear Cave, The Rustic Stomp, Arts by the Sea Fringe, and Independent Venue Week.

“If it moves you, we’ll put the music in front of you.”

Hawkeye Houlihan
Recently, a London promoter remarked, “Yeah they like that sort of stuff in Dorset,” alluding to the enduring popularity of banjo and fiddle-driven acts that have kept boots stomping for over 30 years. It quickly became apparent to me that this particular brand of “boom chicka boom”, held a distinct regional resonance, and wasn’t the right flavour for most festivals.
Thus, in the early days of Pronghorn, we found ourselves surreptitiously gatecrashing events such as Larmer Tree, commanding the crowd through impromptu parochial folk punk. Remarkably, this dynamic persists to this day, with these ensembles often relegated to the periphery, despite their ability to effortlessly eclipse a headline act.
It was this realisation that prompted me to create a festival dedicated to honouring this quintessentially Dorset phenomenon, a testament to what I affectionately term “Rustic Stomp.” Admittedly, I may not conform to the archetype of a conventional promoter, as I tend to prioritise my own satisfaction in curating events that perpetuate this musical tradition. But as long as I can attract a bunch of folks willing to stomp it out in a Dorset field, I’m gonna keep searching out new bands that fit the remit.

Kirsten Stevens
Kirsten’s passion for show-running and promotion started back when she first started working at The Anvil in 2017. Having always been an avid fan of music since an early age, she had always dreamed of working in a venue and being part of her local scene. Fast forward to today and she has now had a strong tenure in numerous local venues; including The Anvil and Chaplins & the Cellar Bar, which have all built her toward her current work alongside a great team at Bear’s Bar and Venue / The Bear Cave – putting on and helping to promote a variety of shows across two venue floors. Kirsten has also taken part in numerous student projects within the community, focusing on the importance of Grassroots Venues, as well as helping toward an article that featured in the PIER magazine; and remains an avid supporter for the maintenance and longevity of Grassroots Venues.

Kirsten had her first solo venture into in-house promotion, repping her first ever show as an independent promoter in February 2024 which was a huge personal milestone in her career. Kirsten has since gone on to host and judge the 2025 Teddy Rocks Battle of the Bands, and featured on HopeFM as a live talkshow guest.

Kirsten has also enjoyed plenty of diverse experiences in other areas of the local music scene, including getting on stage herself in 2022 with local Folk Punk band Black Water County, as well as starring in one of their music videos for their track “Cruel State of Mind”. Outside of her work in Grassroots Venue, Kirsten is a self-taught bass player and avid lover of local history.

Conrad Barr
Though London-born, I was raised in Dorset, with a particular fondness as a nipper for Boscombe beach. 20yrs ago I moved with my girls into the heart of Bos Vagueness, just round the corner from Chaplins-Cellar Bar, which has become my second home for the last decade & a half. A jack-of-all/master-of-none, with no formal training beyond the University Of Blag, my background is in songwriting, performing solo & in bands, sound engineering, home recording, DJing (what I call ‘social sountrack’), local radio & curating festivals. I’ve always seen a bigger picture where different aspects are complementary rather than conflicting, especially the nebulous grey area between artists & venues; nurturing that uneasy symbiosis has been a challenging but immensely rewarding mission. Love me a debut to a room full of smiles. Next!

Alex Wallis
Alex runs the in-house music programme at The Square and Compass, where live music is treated as a vital part of the pub’s role in the local community rather than an add-on. The focus has always been on making music accessible — putting on regular live sessions that are free to attend, welcoming both locals and visitors, and creating a space where people can discover great artists without barriers.
Alongside the weekly programme, Alex also organises an annual festival at the pub, bringing together a wider line-up of artists for a weekend of music and community celebration. One of the most rewarding parts of the role is getting to work with an inspiring mix of musicians from around the UK and around the world, many of whom are passing through the area and contribute something unique to the space. The aim has always been simple: to support artists, nurture live music, and offer something special to the people who come through the door.

Dead Horse Bay
Named after an abandoned radioactive beach in Brooklyn, New York, littered with broken bottles and bones that as the waves caress it’s shoreline, a grotesquely unique symphony can be heard.
Dead Horse Bay the band hopes to create a similarly beautiful and broken soundscape that weaves together blues, jazz, punk, rock, and hip-hop into something monstrous and magnificent that they are calling “street folk”. They play with the soul and sound of spoken word atop the pulsating heart and rhythm of the double bass.

Ribble
Two Northern men, a fiddle, a guitar, and a large beard. So far, so what? Well, add in a 90s drum synth, some mighty arrangements of meaty fiddle tunes, some songs, some wrong turns, battle scars earned busking the streets of Salisbury, a barrowload of end-of-the-pier banter and the feeling that your mad rum-soaked uncle is roaring at you to dance on the tables, then you’re getting close to what Ribble is about. Averaging over 80 gigs a year, these splendid gentlemen have been invited to play Boomtown, Purbeck Folk, Victorious, Rustic Stomp, New Forest Folk, Wimborne Folkie, Wessex Folkie amongst many other festivals, and have been main support to some serious names on the circuit including Andy Cutting, Mad Dog Mcrea, Man the Lifeboats, Gerry Colvin and many more.

The Midnight Alliance
Founded in 2017 in Bournemouth, England. The Midnight Alliance are a Latin/Funk band playing infectious grooves and jazzy beats, in their own unique and energetic style. Their tunes are full of chunky brass, precision percussion and vocal melodies. A confluence of World music and Acid Jazz, makes their tunes fresh and upbeat; guaranteed to get your hips swinging!
A tight well rehearsed and experienced band that have played many venues and many festivals including Boom town fair, Larmer tree gardens, Wychwood, Secret garden party, Lakefest and the list goes on.

Sponsoring this award

The Tin Cat
This brand new venue is Weymouth’s newest destination for authentic Caribbean soul food, live music, and unforgettable nights.
The venue definitely offers a great Caribbean experience with exceptional food and a creative cocktail menu, regular live music, DJ’s and theme nights there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So as they say in Trinidad make a visit and ‘lime’ with your friends.

Bournemouth EMOM: Pioneering the Electronic Music Scene 
An Open Mic Night for Electronic Music Innovators 
Launched in September 2024 by three electronic music enthusiasts, Bournemouth EMOM (Electronic Music Open Mic) has rapidly become a central meeting point for electronic music fans and creators in and around Bournemouth. Inspired by the wider EMOM movement and born from a desire to give electronic musicians the same live stage opportunities as other genres, their monthly Thursday night sessions at Poole Hill Brewery created a huge buzz and quickly established it as a key part of Bournemouth’s music scene. 

Bournemouth EMOM is open to all performers of electronic music whether they are an experienced performer or a bedroom hobby producer who wants to take those first tentative steps as a live performer. Every act is welcomed into a supportive space, giving artists a chance to showcase their sounds, connect with a receptive curious audience and grow in confidence as a performer. There are no judges, competitions or barriers to entry – just a shared love of electronic music and sonic exploration that is as engaging for the audience as it is for the artists encouraging spontaneous collaborations, passionate conversations and new friendships.   Each night features an eclectic mix of styles, including ambient, techno, house, drum and bass, experimental, synth-pop and more.  
Although there is always a dazzling array of equipment being used it is very much a grassroots movement open to all.

2025 has been a whirlwind for Bournemouth EMOM with each event bringing in more people. They have survived the low of losing their original home venue due to the sad closing of Poole Hill Brewery and achieved a high of running a successful event on the main stage of the Palace Court Theatre as part of the Arts by the Sea Fringe.  

For 2026 Bournemouth EMOM has a new home on the third Thursday of the month at The Four Horsemen starting on 19th February.

You can contact them on Facebook, Instagram and via email (bournemouthemom@gmail.com)

The Acoustic Connection
The Acoustic Connection is an award-winning events organisation dedicated to supporting and showcasing live music.
Bringing together talented artists, vibrant venues, and engaged audiences, we create unforgettable experiences that celebrate the heart of our local music community.

Howl Open Mic
Howl Open Mic has been running since 2007 across various venues in Dorset run by songwriter (podcast host and author Elijah whose songs have been played on Radio 2 and 6. Elijah’s mission with Howl has always been to create a safe enthusiast and encouraging atmosphere for performers of any age ability or genre with a focus upon original music. He also runs Howl Records to help artists release their music.

Chaplins & The Cellar Bar
This lively venue in Boscombe has all the things you’d expect from a great pub and a tasty locally sourced menu.
It’s entertainment covers every night of the week and showcases not only original music but also poetry, theatre and film
and clearly has creatives at the heart of everything it does.
Nominated in the 2024 finalists for ‘Best Pub For Entertainment’ in the Great British Pub Awards and
2025 winners of ‘Best Community Pub’ in the same awards, it appears there’s no stopping them!

The Four Horsemen
The Four Horsemen is a 90s and 00s inspired retro Craft Beer pub and music venue in Bournemouth Triangle.
Hidden away underneath the ground floor is Bournemouth’s finest microclub. This venue can host all kinds of events, from gigs and socials to club nights and art fairs, comedy, games nights, quizzes and more. Equipped to the same spec as some of the biggest clubs in the world, this tiny space is a hidden gem in Dorset’s crown.
The team behind this venue have ran many venues over the years including on the rocks, anvil, zephyr, mr kyps, ibar, sound circus, canvas, 1865 to name a few. We started this venue in a such a small space out of love of grass roots art of all sorts, and we think we have the most diverse offering in town, from metal to trance to hip hop to comedy to drum n bass and more! we are a strong believer that no idea is a bad idea and I think this is illustrated in our listings. its been a pleasure to see so many great nights and artists get their start in our 60 cap basement and its open every day with a mixture of games nights, live music, dj nights, comedy and quizzes.

Bear Cave
Bear Cave came to life in 2022, as the basement venue of Bear’s Bar and Venue. Previously known as the Bomo Bunker; the 150-capacity space has always been synonymous with live music, previously a home for club nights and now a diverse space that plays host to a range of live events. With everything from indie, to club and DJ nights, to heavy metal and student showcases, Bear Cave is a-buzz with never ending talent!

Over it’s short yet successful lifespan, Bear Cave has seen multiple sold out shows with the likes of The King Blues, InMe and EYEHATEGOD.

Sponsoring this award

The Anvil
The Anvil is a popular rock-and-live-music bar and intimate gig venue in the heart of Bournemouth, known for its alternative atmosphere and strong focus on live entertainment. Situated on Holdenhurst Road opposite the Old Fire Station & Bear’s Bar & Venue. The Anvil combines an extensive rock jukebox and themed DJ nights with regular live gigs featuring local and touring bands across genres like rock, metal, grunge and more. Inside, the venue’s décor leans into its rock ’n’ roll identity with industrial touches, a chill-out area, pool table and a wide selection of beers, ciders and spirits, making it a lively spot to hang out before and after shows. The Anvil’s smaller capacity creates a close-up, immersive live music experience that draws in a passionate crowd of music lovers and offers a platform for emerging artists as well as tribute acts and special themed nights. It’s become a go-to destination in Bournemouth’s nightlife for those seeking a more underground and community-driven live music scene.