The Open Mic night at the Masons Arms in Bury St Edmunds was started around six years ago, aimed at providing a place for performers to showcase their original material, regardless of age, experience or style (within reason!). With 'tribute' and cover acts dominating the town's pubs and events, and the local council seemingly determined to stamp out live music wherever possible, nights such as this are crucial to the continued development of the many talented musicians and performers who live and work in the area.

2008 saw the Open Mic nights undergo a renaissance, with newly invigorated organisers and a determination to take the events to a whole new level. We launched our first Songwriters Competition, open to everyone, and were bowled over by the response. The competition ran over two months and was a staggering success, with the venue packed to capacity every night, and some incredible perfomances from very talented musicians. In 2009 we were paid the great compliment of being invited to include the competition in the Bury Festival - we have again had a hugely enjoyable and successful event, and would like to extend our thanks, gratitude and congratulations to everyone involved, performers, audience, judges and organisers alike. Watch this site for details of the 2010 event, and feel free to contact us with any questions in the meantime.

May 2009 sees another new development for the Masons Arms Open Mic team as we finalise the setting up of our own record label, Original Records. The first release on our lovely shiny new label is the 'Shoot Me Down' EP from the 2008 Songwriting Competition winner, Ivan Wilson. Check our page and blogs regularly for more details on all these exciting projects :)

We welcome all musicians, comedians, poets...anyone who has something they would like to share with an interested and friendly audience. If you have something you would like heard...we want to hear it.

The Open Mic night is currently held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, so please come along and join the fun. We really do have a great time with these events, it's the ideal excuse for a night out!