Go ape at Lancaster music showcase in aid of co-op

A much-loved local outfit, whose music channels post-punk poetry are to headline as Lancaster Music Co-op’s monthly free music showcase returns for the first time in 2026.

Chimps of the Future top the bill at the free night upstairs at The Pub on China Street, with doors opening at 7.30pm this Friday (January 31).

It comes at the co-op, homeless since 2018, continues to fundraise as it aims to make this the year its rehearsal facility, recording studio and music space on Lodge Street, finally re-opens after repairs.

Stalwarts of the Lancaster scene, friends of the co-op Chimps of the Future will be performing songs from last year’s acclaimed debut album Live in Light, alongside new material penned for their upcoming as-yet-untitled second record.

Their post-punk poetry is emblematic of their own unique style which they dub ‘Discordia’. The band are regulars around the city and promote new local music through their own ‘Unsigned’ show on Beyond Radio.

Second on the bill are long-time local legends Hawkmen Dive.

Having received plays on BBC Introducing, they released their three-track EP The Time last year to many plaudits. Expect skilfully arranged alternative rock and indie, with poetic wordplay and even inspiration from classical music as Hawkmen Dive evoke the spirit of Chrissie Hynde and early P J Harvey.

Kicking off the night are one of Lancaster’s newest and most exciting bands, Greenhouse.

Having only played a handful of gigs, they are already making a name for themselves with their climate-conscious brand of rock ‘n roll. Evoking the rough and ready immediacy of 60s garage rock outfit The Sonics, their lyrical exasperations at the modern world create something quite unique.

Co-op director, Derek Meins, said: “After recovering from a very busy 2025 and being overwhelmed by all the support for our Co-opilation Vol #1 release, we’re back on the horse and ready to kick off 2026 with our first club night of the year.

“We’ve got a very exciting line-up of three local bands to make sure we start the year with a bang.

“What better way for music fans across the district to put the January blues behind them than to come and enjoy some fantastic free music while helping us raise vital funds towards our re-opening.”

Co-op merch will be available on the night as usual and there will also be donation points.

Lancaster City Council deemed the co-op building unsafe and issued an eviction notice in 2019. However, it was finally granted a long-term lease following a community campaign and support from city councillors.

Extensive structural repairs have seen been taking place, funded by £1.2m from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lancaster’s High Street Heritage Action Zone and the city council. More funding is now needed to fit out the facility.

You can donate to the fundraising campaign here.

Co-opilation Vol #1, a compilation of tracks donated by artists who have used and supported the co-op over the years is available to download at https://lancastermusiccoop.bandcamp.com/ on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis with a suggested donation of £5.