Our regular open mic event
FREE for young people interested in music from Southend and the surrounding areas - we welcome those interested in music performance, event hosts, multimedia, live sound, event production and audience members who enjoy live music, to get involved and join the Drop the Mic! community.
LOCATION – The Fickle Pickle, 228 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea.
Workshops and Artist Meet ups: 12pm - 1:45pm
Open Mic Registration: 1pm - 1:45pm
Open Mic: 2pm - 5pm
If you’ve never been before and are ready to perform at the next open mic, please register below to secure your spot.
Events include the following opportunities:
Take part in our open mic suitable for acoustic acts, bands, songwriters, rappers, vocalists and musicians. We will provide; full acoustic drum kit, keys, mics, PA
Learn and take part in behind the scenes skills such as live sound, event production, promotions, multimedia and more
Co-host an event with guidance from the team & past hosts
Hear from professional music artists and industry experts in our segment ‘Drop the Question’
Enjoy live music performances
Meet others who share an interest in music
Supported by:
Ask a Music Artist
Drop the Question? was requested then introduced by young people who identified a need to meet professional music artists to ask them about their career journey, how they got into music, what a typical week looks like, plus hear other hints and tips about todays industry.
Past Guest Artists
Tom is an accomplished singer-songwriter and the frontman of the indie rock band The Trusted.
Song School Alumni Heidi is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, currently signed to 3BEAT (Universal)
Megan Rose is a singer/songwriter and actor who released her debut EP ‘Brave This’ in September 2018 reaching number 6 in the Apple Country Album Charts.
Drop the Mic! stage at Leigh Folk Festival
The Drop the Mic project was born back in 2023 at Leigh Folk Festival - the UK’s largest free folk festival. The Drop the Mic stage is now a regular feature at the event, providing young musicians with a further platform to showcase their music skills.
We’ll be returning in 2026 to host the Drop the Mic stage on Saturday 27 June and you could be there too!
Before you apply to play, please note this is an acoustic-style event:
Performances must be fully live (no backing tracks) and in keeping with the tone of Leigh Folk Festival
You must be able to play your own instrument(s)
No drum kits permitted
Please bring your own instrument(s) (e.g. guitars)
Groups/bands are permitted, in an acoustic set up
A piano and cajón are available if needed
You MUST complete the form below to apply to play. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 27th May at 5pm. We will let you know if you have been successful during the following week.
