Rocking the Nave: Church Turns Into a Hotspot for Live Music Gigs

St Peter's Church in Parkstone, Poole, is a historic 19th-century building that has recently become a popular spot for live music events. Reverend Mike Trotman, who leads the church, describes music as the 'heart and soul' of the place. He decided to open the church for midweek gigs, turning the nave into a stage for performers. The church, which can seat up to 400 people, offers a unique venue for musicians, especially at a time when many traditional music venues are closing down.

When Reverend Trotman was first approached by a music promoter about hosting concerts, he admits the idea was met with some skepticism. However, the partnership with the Warm agency has brought a variety of artists to St Peter's, including the Mississippi family band Annie and the Caldwells and the indie folk duo The Staves from Watford. The concerts have been a huge success, often selling out and attracting a diverse audience. Reverend Trotman believes that these events have helped the church flourish, deepening its role in the community and enhancing the sense of gathering and belonging. He also acknowledges that the income from ticket sales helps support the church financially, allowing it to continue its work and maintain its Sunday services.

St Peter's is known locally as 'Poole's cathedral' because of its impressive size and architecture. The vicar says the church was designed to inspire awe and wonder, and he is excited that people still see it as their church. He believes that churches should be community and cultural hubs, and he is pleased to see both new and familiar faces coming together for these events.

For the musicians, performing in a church is a refreshing change from typical concert venues. The Staves describe the church as a 'gorgeous space' with high ceilings and lots of reverb, which makes their harmonies sound even more powerful. Camilla Staveley-Taylor says the acoustics make one voice sound huge and two voices even bigger. However, playing in a church can be challenging because audiences often feel they need to be quiet and well-behaved. The musicians try to help people relax and enjoy the gig, reminding them that it's okay to have fun.

The need for new music venues is urgent, as figures from the Music Venue Trust show that two grassroots venues close every month in the UK, and many others are struggling financially. Camilla Staveley-Taylor points out that after Covid, many small and mid-sized venues disappeared, which is a big problem for musicians who rely on live performances. With people buying fewer records, live gigs are more important than ever. The church is now booking more acts for the future, with promoter Ali Tillett planning dates well into 2026. He says there is nothing else like St Peter's in the local area, and people love the unique atmosphere. He finds it remarkable to see how audiences embrace the church as a music venue.

St Peter's Church has become a vibrant hub for music and community, showing how historic buildings can be used in new ways to bring people together and support local culture.