rise @ bluebird is our Acomb evening arts venue.
The space regularly plays host to live music, spoken word, art exhibitions, theatre, comedy, family- friendly nights and much more.
Rise aims to be a vibrant and independently-run creative hub, driven by love and support from the local community - and an ardent sense of adventure.
Pop down and check us out - we’re looking forward to you helping shape this place just as much as we do.
Gallery
What's on
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David Ward Maclean CD and Book Launch
Doors 7:30pm
"I’m absolutely thrilled to share an evening of music with the marvellous Steve Kendra at the Bluebird Bakery, where I’ll be launching the release of a new CD, Sold As Seen, a beautifully edited and mastered selection of demos and live recordings, and a book of my lyrics from the last 20 years or so. Do join us." - 29/06/2025
10:00:00
Family Friendly Activities
Free
Summer Makers' Fair
Join us for our Summer Makers' Fair - expect an incredible collection of crafts, jewellery, candles, wood-turned gifts, prints, ceramics, plants and much more! These events are always popular, working with local creatives and makers to bring an array of wonderful products - all under one roof!
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The Sunday Social Comedy Club
Join us for The Sunday Social Comedy Club at Rise, Bluebird Bakery, Acomb. We're bringing another night of pure laughter, with a fresh lineup of five fantastic comedians that'll have you howling. Expect a mix of hilarious local talent and rising stars from across the comedy circuit, all hosted by the brilliant John Pease. Why join us? The Sunday Social Comedy Club isn't just another comedy night – it's a good time, surrounded by great people and even greater laughs. Whether you're coming with mates, a date, or just fancy a solo night out, you'll leave with a sore belly from laughing so much.
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Dawn Landes
PPY presents Dawn Landes: Dawn Landes is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Originally from around Louisville, Kentucky but spent many years living and performing in Brooklyn, New York. As a recording artist she has released five full-length albums: dawn's music (2005), Fireproof (2008), Sweetheart Rodeo (2010), Bluebird (2014) and Meet Me At The River (2018) as well as five EPs: Straight Lines (2006), Two Three Four (2006), Mal Habillée (2012), Covers EP (2014) and Desert Songs (2015).
In support of her releases, Landes has toured extensively in the US, Europe and around the world, often sharing the stage with artists such as Ray Lamontagne, Feist, Andrew Bird, José González, The Weakerthans, Midlake, Suzanne Vega, and Sufjan Stevens.
- 03/07/2025
18:00:00
Exhibition
Free
Art Preview
Join us for the art preview to launch the exhibition of Clare M Wood. All wecome for nibbles and to get a first look at theses wonderful artworks.
- 04/07/2025
18:00:00
DJ Nights
Free Entry
Resurrection - MadChester special
Matt Aston is clebrating the Oasis reunion with a MadChester Special.
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Tropica! Live - Kasai Masai
¡TROPICA! dancers we are back once again!
Next up, we present another returning band – Kasai Masai – who last played for us in June 2024 when it's fair to say were it not for the martial arts club upstairs they'd have taken the roof off!!!
Kasai Masai are superb musicians reeling out sublime Congolese grooves of Rumba and Soukous with much style & substance and you'd need to go a long way to find another guitarist as accomplished as Otis Lumumba. Kasai Masai also tour as the house band for one of Congolese music's biggest global stars – Kanda Bongo Man – expect audio fireworks!
This event is going to be a popular and guaranteed SELL OUT after last years capacity wall to wall dance - do not forget your dancing shoes!!!
And as always keeping the grooves bubbling... DJ support from Drummie Dave and Mark Thompson.
IMPORTANT - Please note this is a STANDING ONLY show as last time it was very crowded and we wish to maximise the space for dancing! - 06/07/2025
15:00:
Family Friendly Activities
Free
BYO Vinyl
Our now monthly slot for playing the best vinyl in town - yours! Pop in for a half hour slot on the decks.
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The Weeping Willows
The Weeping Willows are a couple of old souls, steeped in Bluegrass tradition and draped in Gothic Americana imagery. Multiple award winners, they tell stories of sunshine and romance, God and The Devil, murder and decay. ..."stunning acoustic guitarvwork, heavenly harmonies, and a haunting melody rooted in American Gothic." Pop Matters (USA)
- 19/07/2025
18:00
DJ Nights
Free
Madonna - A Celebration
Join us for an ultimate celebration of Madonna, from 'Everybody' to 'I Dont search I Find' and everything in between.
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UNWRITTEN: The Literary Improv Show
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND AFTER A SELL-OUT SHOW IN MAY. Ever wondered what Whose Line Is It Anyway? would be like with a literary twist? The Bluffs take classic short-form improv games and infuse them with storytelling flair. Every show is completely unique, shaped by audience suggestions and spontaneous creativity. Expect scenes inspired by classic literature, unexpected character mashups, and even a fanfiction-inspired musical number. An evening of laughter, surprises, and plot twists awaits! The Bluffs are a dynamic improv troupe with a mix of theatrical, comedy, and musical backgrounds. From festival stages to panto and Theatresports, they bring years of collective experience to the stage—crafting fast-paced, unscripted stories that keep audiences laughing and guessing what’s next. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
- 25/07/2025
18:00:00
DJ Nights
Free
On My Way
Our Northern Soul residency with Michael Toy & Dan Guest (Brighton Beach). Expect Northern soul classics along with some upbeat Motown to get you moving. Don't forget your talcum powder!
- 26/07/2025
18:00:00
DJ Nights
Free
Dusko!
Join us for Dusko — a pilot early-nighter of house music through the decades in a chilled-out café setting. These new nights will bring talented DJs to transport you right back to the old-skool clubbing scene - with classic uplifters, retro anthems and dirty beats. Pop down after work, grab a beer, catch up with mates and - when the music takes over - get yourselves on the dance floor. All with the promise of a full eight-hours of beauty sleep.* *any after-party activity is entirely at your own risk.
- 01/08/2025
18:00:00
DJ Nights
Free
Resurrection - Indie Revival
Playing the best Indie tunes from the 80's & 90's.
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The Lament of a Hart
Henry and his men have returned from the hunt of the mythical golden stag, revelling in their victory in the midst of a monstrous storm, when a strange woman arrives at the door seeking shelter and hospitality. Is the golden stag Henry’s final prize, or will his obsession drive him to offer much more than he can give?
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Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes
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- 30/08/2025
18:00:00
DJ Nights
Free
Sixties Spectacular!
Take a trip back to the swinging sixties with timeless hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and all the other legends who made the 60s an unforgettable era in music!
- 05/09/2025
18:00:00
DJ Nights
Free Entry
Resurrection - Yorkshire special
Matt Aston is clebrating the launch of 'Reception' The Wedding Present musical with a Yorkshire Special.
- 12/09/2025
18:00:00
DJ Nights
Free
Into The Groove
An eighties vinyl extravaganza!
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Supper Club: Eylem's Kurdish Kanteen
The Kurdish Kanteen returns! Eylem will be bringing a taste of her Kurdish cuisine to Acomb! Be quick - last time it sold out weeks before the event.
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Paper flower workshop with award-winning designer, Susan Bradley
Come and learn how to transform simple materials - crepe and tissue papers - into striking hand-made blooms. Susan will show you how to create your own unique paper flowers by hand. You'll learn techniques to create different types of flowers, and different ways to customise each petal from delicate and subtle to dramatic and striking. Your blooms will be unique and personal to you, and really fun to create. You'll leave with your own bloom of beautiful paper flowers to take home. No water required and they never wilt!
More events coming soon!