For music lovers

Find your sound

Whether you’re into live gigs, creating music or discovering something new, there are plenty of ways to make music part of your everyday life. From campus sessions to major live events, you can shape your own music scene around your interests.

Music on campus

Music is part of everyday campus culture at Herts, with regular opportunities to perform, collaborate and experience live events without needing to leave the University.

Through groups such as the Harmonic Herts Music Society and the DJ Society, students can take part in jam sessions, collaborative projects, open decks nights and live showcases covering everything from indie and rock to electronic music and hip hop.

Live music is also supported by UH Arts + Culture, which brings performances, creative events and touring acts directly onto campus throughout the year. A major highlight is the Sonic Herts Festival, a multi-day festival featuring student performances, industry speakers and live showcases across multiple genres. Also, regular open mic nights and student-led events through the Hertfordshire Students’ Union keep live music woven into campus life throughout the year.

Live music venues nearby

When you want to head off campus for live music, Hertfordshire offers a mix of grassroots venues, touring acts and larger entertainment spaces within easy reach.

In St Albans, The Horn is one of the area’s best-known grassroots venues, hosting live bands, emerging artists and intimate gigs in a smaller setting that puts you close to the performance.

For larger concerts and touring acts, Watford Colosseum in Watford Town centre, regularly hosts live music, orchestras and major entertainment events inside its historic venue, while Alban Arena in St Albans city centre adds comedy, tribute acts and live music performances to the local entertainment scene.

Festivals and large-scale live music

If you’re after a bigger live music experience, you’re within easy reach of major outdoor concerts and festivals.

Knebworth, just 20 minutes north of Hatfield, has a rich history of massive music events, hosting festivals and all-dayers featuring the Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Metallica and Oasis.

For years, Hatfield has been the host of Slam Dunk music festival, bring iconic acts such as Fallout Boy, Paramore and Panic! at the Disco right to your doorstep.

The Hitchin Priory Summer Series is just 25 minutes by train to Hitchin, followed by a 15-minute walk – and features ‘oldies but goodies’ from the UK music scene. Perfect for relaxed nights dancing under the stars.

Todd in the Hole Festival, held each summer, presents tribute bands, street food, stalls and entertainment over three days in rural Hertfordshire countryside for a weekend of festival fun and all your favourite tunes. Get there via a complimentary shuttle bus service from Stevenage train station.

Major gigs and music culture

You’re also close to one of the world’s most diverse music scenes, with access to everything from global tours to niche performances.

The O2 Arena in London North Greenwich, hosts some of the world’s biggest artists, while O2 Academy Brixton in South London is known for energetic crowds, iconic performances and major live gigs across multiple genres.

For something completely different, Cafe OTO in East London's Dalston offers the more experimental side of London’s music culture. This small independent venue focuses on avant-garde, improvisational and boundary-pushing live performance, attracting international artists and audiences seeking something beyond mainstream commercial music.

Live music and alternative nights out

Not every night out revolves around clubs. London and Hertfordshire also give you access to some of the UK’s best live music and entertainment venues.

Alexandra Palace in North London hosts major concerts, festivals and large-scale events inside one of London’s most recognisable venues, combining live music with panoramic city views.

In Camden, KOKO mixes live gigs, club nights and DJ events inside a restored theatre space that’s become one of the capital’s best-known nightlife venues. While the Roundhouse blends live music, spoken word, theatre and comedy. These spaces offer a completely different way to experience nights out, built around live entertainment and shared experiences rather than just the dancefloor.

Discover more

Looking for more ways to connect, get involved and make the most of your time at Herts? Explore other opportunities to build friendships, discover new interests and become part of the wider community.