Blackpool’s Waterloo Music Bar Scoops Two Awards

The Waterloo is one of Blackpool’s most popular live music venues and it’s owner, Ian Fletcher, has just scooped two major music awards in recognition of the venue’s huge contribution to the North West music scene.

Not only did a panel of influential music industry names, including Peter Hook (New Order) and Rowanna (Happy Mondays) vote the Waterloo the “Best Grassroots Music Venue” in the 2021 North West Music Awards, but Ian Fletcher also took the “Night Time Hero” honours for his work supporting live music, hosting local and international bands, running food bank collections and fundraising for local and national charities.

Considering the vast number of quality live music venues in the region, and the world renowned reputation of iconic institutions in cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, this double win has given a massive boost to the staff and customers and the Waterloo family is justifiably very proud of their successes.

Ian commented “We are honoured to have been recognised for all the hard work we have put in over the years to make the Waterloo Music Bar what it is today. I have to thank all the people who donated their time, skills and money during lockdown so that we could keep going and help the Waterloo come back even better than it was before. Crowdfunding and merchandise sales kept the venue alive and we are so grateful for the support we got from other venues, musicians and our customers. We have worked with grassroots venues across the country to protect the live music scene and are so excited to get live gigs back on our stage”.

The Waterloo has a full calendar of live music including rock, blues, metal, mod and punk events, and a brand new Lemmy’s Bar. This Motörhead themed space is unique to the UK and the only place to drink Bomber stout, brewed exclusively for the venue, alongside Road Crew APA, Overkill pilsner and Ace Of Spades cider. Music memorabilia and artwork by local artists line the walls, and there’s even a couple of pairs of Lemmy’s boots and his Murder One amp stack. The latest addition to Team Waterloo is the award winning Burgerhain who serve music themed gourmet food.