Student band Sam’s Town headlined The Washington for the first time on the 25th of February 2026, celebrating Sheffield’s tight-knit music scene and the power of free entry gigs.

The band performed three original songs alongside covers of Chappell Roan and Courteeners, drawing friends and local supporters to the free-entry venue and embracing the city’s grassroots energy.

The Washington, 79 Fitzwilliam St, Sheffield City Centre, is a small live music venue that has been open since the 1970s and has seen the likes of Pulp and The Human League. Locals have stated they believe participation alone keeps the culture alive.

Sam’s Town Guitarist Bobby Holmes, age 18, said “You don’t do it for the money, you do it because you can get a lot of people there, bring your friends and have fun.” 

He also noted Sheffield’s intimate live music scene made connections easier.

Guitarist Dan Walker, 19, said “Sheffield is the place to try it as a band.”

Band Manager Sam Thorton, 19, said “Sheffield is known as a training ground, like a bootcamp for bands because there’s so many small venues that are happy to put you on, then you can expand, but Sheffield is great for those early days.”

Sam’s Town Frontwoman and Guitarist Freya Jennings-Smith, 18, said “Been to The Washington quite a few times to see other local bands, free entry is great for students, it’s great being a student band and we especially love free gigs as it means anyone can come.” 

The accessibility of the venue was mentioned multiple times as it encourages the discovery of new bands, increases the audience for any artists and gives people an opportunity to socialise while broadening their musical horizons.

Local Catering Manager Shim Wu, 32 encourages the concept of free entry gigs as it generates more foot traffic in the surrounding areas, helping to boost the night-time economy in Sheffield. He said “free entry is great as it automatically means more people, and some will stop to get food after a gig or continue the night and go clubbing. The Washington is a venue in a good location that encourages people to spend in the area.”

Supporting the band was another group named 39th Gate of Hell, fronted by Aysegul Balkose, a singer who comes from Turkey and now lives in Texas, bringing an international edge to the student-led evening.

Aysegul Balkose said “We love playing at The Washington because it’s one of the few venues in the UK where the promoters don’t specifically ask for how many people will we be able to draw for the night. As when we usually apply for a venue or event the first question you get is how many people will you be drawing? But The Washington listens to your music and accepts it. It was great to support a student band and we love how active the scene is for young people”.

Sam’s Town continues to do live shows, their next gig being at Sidney & Matilda on Wednesday the 18th of March. The Washington continues to do free entry gigs and can be reached by phoning 0114 276 1960.