Venue Guide: The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme
The Rigger is one of Newcastle-under-Lyme's most beloved live music venues, a thriving events space at the heart of the local music scene.
Known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate crowd, The Rigger has built a strong reputation as a go-to destination for live music - hosting everything from up-and-coming touring acts and rock nights to standout local performances.
With its distinctive character and loyal following, The Rigger remains a key part of Newcastle-under-Lyme's live music scene, welcoming both emerging artists and established names to its iconic stage.
Discover what's on at The Rigger, explore upcoming gigs and events, and plan your next night out in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Getting to The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme
By car
The Rigger is located in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre and is easily accessible by car from across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. There is limited parking available in The Rigger's own car park and at the side of the venue, with multiple public car parks offering up to 170 spaces within a four-minute walk.
By train
Longport and Stoke-on-Trent are the nearest train stations, with Stoke-on-Trent offering regular services from Manchester, Birmingham and beyond. The venue is a short taxi ride or bus journey from Stoke-on-Trent station, making it a convenient option for those travelling by rail.
By bus
A number of local bus routes serve Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, with services connecting the venue to Stoke-on-Trent, Keele and the surrounding areas. Travelling by bus is a straightforward and affordable way to reach The Rigger.
By foot or taxi
The Rigger is situated in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, within easy walking distance of local bars, restaurants and amenities. Local taxi services are also readily available, making it easy to get to and from the venue before and after events.
Venue information
The Rigger
Marsh Parade
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 1BT
Find parking near the venueThe Rigger — Need to know
What type of events take place at The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme?
The Rigger hosts a varied programme of live music, club nights, art events, local showcases and touring performances. As one of Newcastle-under-Lyme's most established live music venues, it regularly welcomes both touring artists and local acts across a wide range of genres.
Where is The Rigger located?
The Rigger is located at Marsh Parade, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1BT, situated in the heart of the town centre.
What are the age restrictions at The Rigger?
Most shows at The Rigger are 18+. However, under 16s are welcome until 20:00 and over 16s until 22:30, provided this is arranged in advance. All minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times and will receive an underage wristband at the door.
Is The Rigger accessible?
Yes. The Rigger has a portable disability ramp which allows wheelchair users access through the band entrance. A free carer's ticket is also available for events. To arrange access, contact the venue at info@theriggervenue.com.
Is there parking at The Rigger?
There is limited parking available in The Rigger's own car park and at the side of the venue. Multiple public car parks with up to 170 spaces are available within a four-minute walk from the venue.
How do I get to The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme?
The Rigger is located at Marsh Parade, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1BT. Public car parks are within easy walking distance, and the venue is well connected to the surrounding area.
How can I contact The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme?
You can contact The Rigger by phone on 01782 616602 or by email at info@theriggervenue.com.
History & Culture of The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme
The Rigger takes its name and its distinctive shape from the building's origins in 1963, when it was constructed as a bandstand-style venue on Marsh Parade, in the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Decades on, that same building still gives the venue its unmistakable character: a small, intimate space that holds around 200 people, making every show feel like a genuinely up-close experience.
Since then, The Rigger has grown into an award-winning independent venue and arts space, known for a programme that stretches well beyond gigs. Alongside touring and local bands, its weekly schedule takes in comedy, poetry and spoken word, performing arts, burlesque, and cultural and craft events, drawing on Staffordshire's grassroots creative scene as much as its live music heritage.
That range is central to what makes The Rigger distinctive: it's as likely to host a touring rock band as a spoken word night or a craft fair, all within the same compact, band-stand-shaped walls. It's also long served as a launchpad for emerging talent, with regular new-band nights giving unsigned and up-and-coming acts a stage alongside more established touring names.
Today, more than sixty years after the building first went up, The Rigger remains one of Newcastle-under-Lyme's most cherished live music venues — a small space with an outsized role in keeping Staffordshire's independent music and arts scene alive.
Upcoming Gigs at The Rigger
Browse upcoming gigs at The Rigger, with new shows added regularly throughout the year.
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999
Saturday 10th April 2027
The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme -
Beans on Toast
Sunday 6th December 2026
The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme -
InMe
Friday 6th November 2026
The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme -
Tony wright
Friday 4th December 2026
The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme -
HUNG LIKE HANRATTY
Saturday 17th October 2026
The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme -
Headsticks
Saturday 5th December 2026
The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme
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Browse more venues in the West Midlands
Looking for more live music in the West Midlands and beyond? Discover other venues near The Rigger in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across the West Midlands.
Discover More Live Music Venues Near Newcastle-under-Lyme
For more live music close by, The Sugarmill and Riff Factory are just down the road in Stoke-on-Trent, both regular stops for touring and local bands. Further afield, The Robin brings grassroots gigs to Wolverhampton, while in Derby, The Flowerpot is a 250-capacity venue and real ale pub in the Cathedral Quarter, and The Hairy Dog is a 500-capacity home for alternative live music.
Explore what's on, book tickets online with Gigantic and find more of the UK's grassroots and independent venues in our venue guides.