Charlie Fudge: Get Your Lockdown Arts Fix This Weekend

If you’re anything like us here at the Lock In one of the biggest things we’ve missed since the start of all this lockdown madness has been getting out into the world to enjoy live music, DJ sets, exhibitions, basically anything that tickles your cultural funny bone. We’ve been treated to a few great new music releases from living legends like Bob Dylan all the way through to highly anticipated upstarts like Black Country, New Road but there’s nothing quite like rubbing shoulders with likeminded strangers, overpaying for pints and ingesting some dopamine inducing arts mainlined from the artists themselves right into your central nervous system.

Luckily, the world has stepped up thanks to trailblazers (ahem, like yours truly) who are committed to streaming the good stuff straight to your front room. So, as those gig tickets you bought in 2019 get rolled over for a third time, consider supporting your favourite artists by attending an online event this weekend, some of which we have collected and curated below for your convenience.

It might not have the same charms as getting covered in what might be piss at the front of the gig or freezing your bollocks off in the smoking area but if you are quarantining with a partner, perhaps you can get them to dowse you in cider and aggressively check your ID for that true “night out at home” experience.

Thursday 28th Jan

Music Feeds Festival

£15 will gain you entry to this two day festival headlined by Fontaines D.C amongst others. Not only will you be able to get a fix of our favourite Dublin troubadours who smashed their second album release in July 2020 but you’ll be supporting the fight against food poverty. Other headliners include Liam Gallagher, Sam Smith, Blossoms and James. Virtual doors open at 8pm and you can get tickets and more info here.

Friday 29th Jan

Princess Nokia

Elsewhere Sounds host a midday show with this New York born rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and all round icon. What could be more 2021 than taking a break from Zoom meetings to dance around your home office/living room/very own VIP area in your tie and joggers combo? Find out more here.

The Hives

If lockdown 3.0. has given you serious 21st century malaise, head back to the noughties when blowing on birthday candles was not only allowed but encouraged and saving your mate twos on a cigarette was only going to kill them in the normal, long term sort of way.  The Hives play to you live at 11pm for about $17 but head to the website for some merch bundles if you’re wanting to add to that loungewear collection. See more here.

Saturday 30th Jan 

Liars Club

It would be a crime to miss this opportunity to shamelessly self-promote when the gig is this good. Barrows own Liars Club will be streaming to you via the Lock In this Saturday at 7pm for free. Show some support for homegrown talent and join your mates for a can and a scoop by following the Lock In on Facebook, Instagram - or subscribe at the bottom of this page.

IDLES

The second of two shows performed live from their hometown Bristol following the release of their third album Ultra Mono in September (first one on 28th). Feel free to join in with the sweaty, shirtless shenanigans from the privacy of your own home where no one can judge you for those extra lockdown pounds. Another bonus, it’s absolutely free. See more here.

Louvre Virtual Tour

Have you dreamt of coming face to face with Mona Lisa? Shaking hands with the Venus de Milo? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to run zealously beneath the inverted pyramid Dan Brown style but have been thwarted by a fear of travelling on the channel tunnel? Either way, the Louvre are opening their doors for the price of £15 giving you unfettered access to some of the most famous works of art in the world, all from the comfort of your sofa. Check it out here.

Sunday 31st Jan

Bjork

Our favourite Icelandic television expert was supposed to be performing from Reykjavik Harpa Hall this weekend with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Unfortunately it has now been rearranged to April/May, but tickets are limited and it will almost definitely sell out (it seems even the magic of lockdown streaming has its limits) so we’re leaving it here anyway so that you don’t miss out.

Laura Marling

National folk treasure Laura Marling performs a stripped back intimate set at the Union Chapel, a great way to end your weekend and a wonderful soundtrack to your post-roast aperitif. Tickets are a tenner and the show kicks off at 8pm. See more here.

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