Basildon gave the world Depeche Mode and members of The Cure and Five, so it should come as no surprise that the town is home to a diverse entertainment scene and some great live music options for you to choose from during your stay.
Entertainment in Basildon
Towngate Theatre
Next to Basildon’s iconic glass monument, the Millennium Bell Tower, you’ll find the Towngate Theatre, one of the best theatres in Essex. The panto in-particular is regarded as the best in the area. Then again, everything about this 550-seat capacity theatre is highly acclaimed and has been since it first opened its doors some 30 years ago. With three tiers of seating and a well-curated programme that ranges from dance performances to children’s shows; comedy acts to the classics.
Best of all, the theatre brings shows from the West End or half the price. Take a look at what’s on during your stay and be sure to book your tickets well in advance. While none of our Basildon hotels are really within easy walking distance, the Towngate Theatre has its own underground car park to the rear which is free to use on weekday evenings and all day Saturday.
Towngate Theatre
New Crawdaddy Blues Club
Music
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a bit of live music in the evening. If you want to catch a gig during your stay in Basildon then be sure to look at what’s on at the Towngate Theatre. It’s especially good for tribute acts. It’s not the only entertainment venue in town, though. The Edge in the Eastgate Shopping Centre hosts live music every Thursday night from 7-11pm with genres ranging from metal to stripped back acoustic sets, and best of all it’s absolutely free. It’s a great bar too, and could have easily graced our page dedicated to your top Basildon nightlife options.
A great addition to Basildon’s entertainment options is the New Crawdaddy Blues Club, which takes place every Friday night. It’s a tenner to get in for a night of great bands shared with real music fans. If you’re staying at our Festival Park hotel then the New Crawdaddy Blues Club is only a five-minute walk away. However, if you’re coming from further afield and planning on parking then take a look at the venue’s website to find out how to register your vehicle and avoid any unwanted fines.
Last up is The Castle Mayne on The Knares. It’s a local pub with regular live music nights, a lively atmosphere, cheap drinks, and a great reputation when it comes to evening entertainment. Gigs are on every Saturday. They don’t book the biggest bands on the planet, but they know how to have a good time at The Castle Mayne.