The Ropemakers

27/05/2026

It’s been a wonderful week this week and we would love to see you all to the entertainment lined up at the Ropemakers this weekend starting with the Weekly Meat Draw with over £130 worth of prizes. Just £1 per ticket and you could win your Sunday joint! All proceeds go to The Living Tree Cancer Support Group
The Living Tree, Bridport. They are a self-help support group for people who have experienced cancer and for their families/carers. The group is based in Bridport and is open to anybody affected by cancer from West Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset.
They are all at different stages of cancer or caring for someone with cancer. All of their activities are free of charge.
You've got to be in it to win it!

Later on we have a change to our programme of events as the advertised Curst Sons are unable to play. We are very [pleased that Mustard Allegro have agreed to step in and will be playing at 8:30pm. Mustard Allegro are a 4 piece band from Bristol & Somerset. Their sound is an eclectic cocktail of influences. Thier high energy live shows are filled with humour, audience engagement and interaction, a hobby horse, and a pineapple named juicy Jon; their aim is to get everyone laughing and dancing in equal measure; with influences from reggae to klezmer, balkan to ska and afrobeat to surf.
On Saturday the phenominal What the Phunk take to the stage at 8:30pm. WHAT the PHUNK are renowned for their high octane blend of funk, soul, jazz, disco and R&B creating a show you won’t forget.
Passionate about harmony, melody and irresistible bass lines, What The Funk’s fans come from all walks of life… Dancing and grooving their way onto the dance floor.
The core of WTF is the powerful vocals of Pauline Daw, backed by an eclectic mix of experienced musicians. Collectively, their gigging experience is unrivalled! From the raw funk of James Brown to the hip-hop, dance-pop of Beyonce and Justin Timberlake. From pubs, to clubs to weddings to private parties and corporate functions, they know what makes a dance floor jump!
Sunday sees the pace take a turn in style with middle eastern influenced Cobra Café playing at 4:00pm – British-Hungarian acoustic flute and guitar duo plays an eclectic collection of world music from Armenia to Venezuela and plenty more in between. Besides, they also play some of their original songs. They blend cultures and musical genres into a unique style that is very easy to enjoy. Expect something different, with great rhythms and evocative melodies.

26/05/2026

Fresh on the menu today:
Sharing platter with Italian cured meats, homemade flatbread and hummus with olives

21/05/2026

Another Bank Holiday weekend sees some excellent live music at the Ropemakers together with the weekly Charity Meat Draw on the Friday evening at 6pm. The Meaty Draw raises money for The Living Tree and there are £130 worth of prizes to be won !

Later on Friday we welcome Zoe Schwarz Bluez Party who will play at 8:30pm. They play Funky rocking blues with Zoe Schwarz-vocals, Rob Koral-guitar, Anth Caplen-bass, Ady Milward-drums & vocals ... rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs 'n grooves, plus some cool 'n groovy covers..... mixing old school tradition with a contemporary swagger and verve... COME ON DOWN

Saturday sees local legends Shelby's Elbows playing at 8:30pm – Shelby’s Elbows are an acoustic duo, made up of Dorset musicians Martin P. Davies and Phil Jeffs. Formed after meeting in various Open Mic nights in 2008, Shelby’s Elbows have developed into a locally well known entertainment duo, playing a variety of instruments and producing an instantly recognisable sound that surprises people when they discover that there’s only two people making it. Well, we need say no more!!

Sunday is wind-down day with James Hollingsworth at 4:00pm. South-West England-based James Hollingsworth has a passionate voice and a unique, complex acoustic guitar finger-style, reminiscent of Andalusian guitar, fusing elements of folk, blues, trance, metal and psychedelic rock. Since turning professional in 2006 he's played numerous festivals, private bookings, folk, acoustic and rock venues nationally, supported Nick Harper (twice), Cara Dillon, Hazel O'Connor, 60's legends It's a Beautiful Day

17/05/2026

This is just a flavour of the music we have for you this afternoon.
Welcome to Larkham And Hall who will be playing at 4:00pm

Sarah Larkham and Elliot Hall perform 'Boy with the Fish' (S.Larkh...

16/05/2026

Tonight...
Here....
Live....
Skank your feet off. We have the The Skalatans playing for your delight.
8:30pm Start
Turn off your tellies, you can watch that later!!

A lazy summer afternoon version of Swing Easy by The Soul Vendors/Skatalites.

14/05/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend? Then travel no further that the Ropemakers for a splendiferous selection of superb times! Every week there is the Charity Meat Draw with all proceeds going to The Living Tree cancer support group. It’s quite simple, you buy a ticket from one of the bar-staff and they will ensure that your ticket goes in the bucket. The next bit is a bit trickier!! You use your powerful mental powers to levitate your ticket to the top of the pile so that id drawn out as a winner. What you have to bear in mind is that all the other people in the pub are doing the same for their ticket. All in all it has all the qualities of a lottery! The draw for this fascinating performance is as near to 6:00pm as we can make it!
Later on Friday at 8:30 we have the incredible Vanilla Radio. Emerging from the darkest depths of Dorset, Vanilla Radio burst onto the funk scene in 2013 delivering their soulful funky grooves to crowds all over the south coast. At its core Jamie Parker, Jack Ansell and Rick Veall have been playing in various line-ups for the last 10 years with the later addition of Will Sear on keys adding another dimension to their sound.
Vanilla Radio’s live set is a funk explosion taking influence from acid jazz, funk, soul and rock. Mixing all out furious guitar and keys, exploding bass lines and outrageous drum breaks to create a sound that will get you grooving.

Saturday sees the local legends that are The Skalatans giving you some Ska at 8:30pm. Arguably one of south Bridport's least annoying Skatalites tribute acts. The Alpha Boys School rejects meet at Studio 1 (but it was closed) to start to try to get the hang of what came so naturally to Baba Brooks, Nearlin Taitt, Jackie Mittoo and Marcia Aitken.
Ten-piece band with horns, keys and afro-latin percussion, covering Skatalites, Supersonics and Soul Vendors. Think Adderly, Ellington, Mingus and Bird via Mittoo, Alphonso, McCook and Lin Taitt. Plus Studio 1 and Trojan classic pop hits of Marcia Aitken, Dawn Penn and Phyllis Dillon with Bunny and Pete-style BVs. Get in early for any chance of a place on the dance-floor.

On Sunday we have a more relaxed groove with Larkham And Hall playing at 4:00pm. Playing Spanish-influenced guitar, harmonica and growling Tom Waits style vocals, Elliot Hall is a force of nature, having written over 2,000 songs on his remarkable journey from psychiatric ward to concert hall. Bristol Songwriter of the Year (2012) he is also the founder of Bristol's mental health music charity Mind Your Music (2003 - present) and has played music with the most marginalised groups in society.
An award-winning author and former teacher at Bristol’s prestigious vocal academy, Sarah Larkham's powerful, versatile voice lends itself perfectly to the wide variety of
their songs. Although brought up on the great lyricists such as Dylan, Cohen and Joni Mitchell, there are influences of rock, soul, blues, jazz, country and Latin styles apparent in their music.
Larkham and Hall bring the warmth and vibrancy of their personalities to their stage show as they take audiences on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, often regaling them with tales of their hair-raising adventures through Europe and Latin America. There’s no real translation for the Spanish word ‘Duende’, the indefinable magic at the heart of Flamenco. It’s something that can’t be possessed or explained, only felt. Join Larkham and Hall on their quest to bring the raw, emotional power of Duende to English song. You may not know what it is, but you’ll know it when you feel it.

06/05/2026

Another excellent programme of events is occurring this weekend down at The Ropemakers: starting on Friday at 6pm when we have our weekly charity Meat Draw. £130 worth of prizes for the winning and many smiling happy faces when they win the meat of their choice! All proceeds will go the Bridport based charity. The Living Tree.

Later on and the wonderful, local brilliance of The Mutter Slater Band will tickle your ear buds with an excellent selection of music. It all starts at 8:30pm on Friday 8th March. Many people who have heard MSB play would agree but the overriding emotion that lingers and taken home in the heart after a sweat-drenched performance is joy. The infectious joy shared by six musicians at the height of their powers playing the music they love.
MSB’s music is slippery when it comes to categorisation. You think you hear traces of 60's soul or possibly blues when hints of heartland rock make an appearance and a nod towards country music can easily be confounded by a psychedelic wig out. Mutter’s addiction to ‘a half-decent tune’ and the band playing what comes naturally are the main consistencies and there is always and ever will be the joy.

Saturday sees piratical fun with All For Jolly performing at 8:30pm. We’re delighted to announce that are really looking forward to this we’ll be welcoming All For Jolly to the Ropies for an energetic, upbeat evening of folk
Performing as their ‘Lady & Captain Duo’, this special stripped-back set features the band’s core pairing, bringing their signature pirate-folk sound to life in an intimate, high-energy format. Hailing from Cornwall, All For Jolly are known for their lively, feel-good music, blending Celtic influences with storytelling and a real sense of fun that gets everyone involved.

Sunday sees the local duo Ansell & Gretel perform at 4:00pm – Formed in 2010, Ansell & Gretel are Jack Ansell and Jamie Parker. Together they have performed at some of best pubs and festivals all around the south coast. With a set of varied classic covers Ansell & Gretel are sure to play something for everyone all with their own added twist. Styles including Funk, Soul, Rock and Pop

22/04/2026

It may feel chilly outside but in the Ropemakers it feels cosily warm , so snuggle up to your favourite tipple and get comfortable for a weekend of entertainment wth some of the finest up and coming talent that will eed your soul.
It does get rather busy for the Charity Meat Draw that will be drawn at 6:00pm. For just £1you will be I with a chance to win one of the twelve prizes on offer with all profits being given to the The Living Tree Cancer Support Group

Later in the evening we have extreme pleasure to welcome FFTP. Hugely adored anarchic folk duo Chezney Newman & Maxine Venton are known for causing devilish mayhem wherever they play. Join these beautifully skilled musicians for a night of rousing folk crescendos, foot stomping rhythms and a healthy side of banter.
Their self-penned tunes and songs are steeped in Celtic music traditions and present-day stories, and paint a picture from the modern day communities they come from.
One of the most talented and authentic acts on the scene, the duo have played countless festivals across the UK and tonight bring the magic to Bridport.
Music from 8.30pm
FREE ENTRY all night
Brought to you by Fuelled By Cider

Saturday sees another absolutely stunning pair of musicians – The Kahunas - Indie folk rock duo, The Kahunas bring emotive violin riffs, melodic harmonies and vocals, original lyrical content & digeridoo loops. The pair have been writing, recording and performing together for nearly 4 years. Their musical pendulum swings between upbeat dance folk rock and heart felt love songs. The Kahunas sound has been likened to bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Fotheringay and The Levellers The Kahunas music reflects the places they have been, the people they have met and their amazing journey of being in a relationship, a band and living in a van together with their trusty side kick Roadie (Their little dog)! The duo are now flying high on the festival circuit, playing at the likes of Boomtown, Beautiful Days and Sidmouth Folk Festival to name a few, this Autumn also embarking on their first UK headline Tour as well as having featured on BBC Introducing and playing live on BBC radio Devon & Cornwall. "Indie Folk duo, The Kahunas blew me away"- Efestival Magazine (written for Beautiful Days Festival). "Man that's so good" - BBC Introducing, Tom Williams. "Four to the Floor Euphoria"-Fiercely Bristol. "Barnstorming, Wild-Roving, Folk Rock" - Fresh on the Net. "Took the audience on an adventure to pastures new" - Jen Taylor, Ragged Bear Festival.

Sunday would seem to be the more chilled day music-wise with the incredible Flogan - Flogan are an eclectic folk, Americana duo made up of musicians Flaky Jake and Miriam Hogan playing the accordion, guitar, and Louisiana scrub-board. They sing in harmony, featuring songs from the Louisiana songbook and taking influence from cajun and zydeco music, as well as exploring their individual Irish and Latin heritages through their own music.
Their palette includes a wide variety of songs including unexpected surprises, as well as some of their own originals.

22/04/2026

We are looking for a (preferably Ska) band to play for us on Saturday 13th June.
We just love a bit of Ska...