From the folk clubs of Camden to the jazz basements of Soho, London has always been a city that lives and breathes live music. But you don't need a venue, a ticket queue or a late-night tube home to experience it. A house concert brings the music to you - an intimate, unforgettable evening with a handpicked musician playing just for you and your guests, in your own living room, garden or kitchen. Discover brilliant London and UK-based artists before they're playing the big stages.
Find artists in LondonLondon's live music runs deeper than any one district. Camden built its name on indie and rock, Soho has kept jazz going since Ronnie Scott's opened its doors in 1959, and the folk circuit that grew up around Cecil Sharp House still shapes the city's songwriter scene. East London carries the DIY end of it: in Dalston, Hackney and Peckham a gig is as likely to happen in a railway arch or a pub back room as in a proper venue. Add the touring acts passing through every week of the year and there is more music here than anyone could keep up with.
All of which makes a house concert unusually welcome in London. Venue hire and ticket prices climb every year, and a Victorian terrace, a garden flat or a converted warehouse space gives a singer everything they actually need - a corner to play in and people close enough to hear every word. Most London hosts invite twenty or thirty friends into the front room, agree a fee between them, and get an evening that would be impossible to buy a ticket for.
A living room concert is exactly what it sounds like: a professional musician plays a full set in a private home, for an audience the host has invited. You will see the same thing called a house concert, a house show or - because of where we started - a SofaConcert. They all mean the same evening.
There is no stage, no ticket desk and no support act. A typical concert in London runs 60 to 90 minutes, often split into two sets with a break, in front of anywhere from 15 to 50 guests. Most take place in a Victorian terrace, a garden flat or a converted loft. The artist brings whatever they need; you provide the room and the people.
Everything you need to plan, folded into the order you'll actually do it.
Pick a date and a room - thirty people fit a living room more easily than you'd think. Then browse the artist list for a singer-songwriter, duo or band.
Send as many free enquiries as you like. Each artist replies with a non-binding offer, so you can weigh up a few before choosing. Settle the scope in writing in the booking system - that written record is what the contract is based on.
Confirming creates the contract and reserves your date. You deposit the fee plus the booking fee, which is held in trust and only released to the artist after the concert. You then get their contact details to sort out the last bits.
Browse London and UK-based acts, send free enquiries and book the one that fits your evening.
A few of the acts playing around London.
List your space for free and touring artists apply to play your living room. You pick whoever you like the sound of, and you're never obliged to say yes - here is what hosting involves.
You would be joining people all over Europe who open their doors a few times a year and have turned their front room into somebody's favourite venue.
Some of the most recent spaces to join.
The choice can feel overwhelming. Don't worry - we'll help you.
Tell us the details of your concert and any particular wishes, and we'll do the rest.