A music evening in a British city: where to hear music of every era — often for free

In British cities music plays every night — and of every era and genre: from medieval chant and Baroque to jazz, folk and electronica. Best of all, a great deal of it is free or very cheap. Here is how to find a music evening in your city, whatever you love.

Free music — there is more than you think

Start with pubs: many have live music in the evenings, jam sessions and open-mic nights (where anyone can perform), usually free to enter. By day, many churches and cathedrals give free lunchtime concerts — for example St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and the same across the country. London’s Southbank Centre often has free performances right in the foyer. And on the streets and the Tube you will find licensed buskers.

ADV · A001ONLYWAY JEWELRY — gold, silver and platinumRings, chains, bracelets, earrings and pendants. Delivery across the UK.Advertise here

Classical — cheaper than you think

Every summer the Royal Albert Hall hosts the Proms, the biggest classical festival, where a standing ticket in the arena costs about £8 (this is called promming). London’s Wigmore Hall and universities nationwide hold cheap and free lunchtime concerts. Look for “day seats” — cheap tickets sold on the day.

Jazz, folk and world

For jazz, head to the clubs — London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s and jazz bars in almost every city. Folk lives in the pub: sessions where musicians come to play together are usually free, and sometimes you can join in. World and traditional music is just as easy to find in cultural centres.

Church music every day

A special tip is evensong in cathedrals: a daily service with choral singing, often music from several centuries, and usually free to attend. Add organ recitals. It is one of the easiest ways to hear music of “all times” live and for nothing.

How to find what is on tonight

The easiest way is through apps and listings: Dice, Songkick, Bandsintown, Skiddle, Resident Advisor for electronic music, plus Eventbrite, your council’s “what’s on” page and the city magazine Time Out. These also carry Russian-language cultural events, announced in community groups and on Eventbrite.

A few last tips: standing and day tickets are almost always cheaper; concerts in churches and universities are often free; for free pub gigs, arrive early to get a spot. A music evening turns out to be nearer than you think — from a free evensong of Renaissance music to a late jazz set or an £8 Prom. Music of all times, most nights, and often for nothing.