Legendary Harrogate rock band to 'christen' impressive new facilities at brilliant Bilton Club

A historic Harrogate venue is being hailed as the “new Brudenell” after a major upgrade to its facilities for gigs.

Founded in 1913 as the Bilton Working Men’s Club, this traditional venue on Skipton Road changed its name and expanded its role in 2022.

Since then, as well as offering reasonably priced drinks and a wide range of facilities such as pool tables and private function rooms for an array of social gatherings, it’s also stepped up the live music, attracting the likes of East 17, the Reverend and the Makers and a member of The Housemartins.

In 2023, the Concert Room was refurbished, including electrical work, decoration, new carpeting and new furniture.

The brilliant Bilton Club in Harrogate has a fantastic new in-house PA system, a new lighting rig and an extended stage. (Picture contributed)

Now, the Bilton Club has gone one further when it comes to gigs.

Having made a decision to go ahead and upgrade the venue after the success of recent gigs, they felt that Harrogate needed a venue that would attract up and coming acts and higher end touring tribute bands.

Cue a fantastic new in-house PA system, a new lighting rig and an extended stage.

The end result is a venue which can rival Leeds’ Brudenell Club, the independent live music venue and social club in the Hyde Park area which is famed nationally.

To celebrate the completion of the upgrades at the Bilton Club, the new stage will be ‘christened’ later this month with a headline show by MFOR, the legendary Harrogate rock and pop covers band on Friday, August 21.

Lead singer Paul Kettley said: “I think it’s brilliant that the committee have backed Alan, and Cher in making this happen.

"The club have also made it policy to exclusively use local businesses to do the work, including the supply and install of the PA system from KV2 who are one of the top companies in their field.

"They have installed systems in some of the most prestigious venues worldwide.

"Hopefully, the club will fill a gap in the Harrogate live music scene that’s been there for many years.”

MFOR at The Bilton Club is a pay as you feel gig.

Doors open at 7pm.