The Sound of Watford – an event, tied to Watford’s celebrations of Record Store Day – took place on Saturday 12 April and saw a number of venues host free live music across the town.
Record Store Day is an internationally recognised day encouraging music lovers and collectors to their local independent record store.
For over 10 years, The LP Café, located on The Parade around from the pond, along with help from West Herts College and support from Watford Borough Council, has been organising live local bands to promote the scene in our town and turn the day into a celebration of music.
The Sound of Watford is an event which has developed from these celebrations and is now in its third year. The day saw bands open the festivities at around midday on the event space near the pond on The Parade. From here, the day then turns to night and activities move to the local bars and pubs who are taking part, such as Mad Squirrel, The One Crown and Johnny’s along with a show at the Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre.
Bands from across the borough and further afield apply to play each year, with some firm favourites returning year on year to apply, including Assimilate, Callaine and The Social Club. Each year there is an emphasis on new bands as well, such as The Nevers and Trainwrecker, who are fairly fresh to the area.
Paul Terris of The LP Café says “The thing about “The Sound of Watford” is that it picks itself… 90% of the acts are local submissions. Then it’s up to us to do with the acts what any good record shop does with their records: organise and curate them … The day always ends up as one of the best days in Watford and it is great to be able to do this with support from the council and college.”
Check out The LP Café’s website and socials to see further gigs coming up and the date for next year.