Celebration of the Guitar: Paul Garthwaite Live at Oxenburys Yard, Bridport
Looking for live music in Bridport this October? Here is a night you won't find anywhere else in West Dorset. Guitarist and storyteller Paul Garthwaite brings his Celebration of the Guitar to Oxenburys Yard, and every penny of your ticket goes to Bridport Arts Centre.
The history of the riff, played live
From Chuck Berry's rock 'n' roll, through The Beatles, Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd, to Nirvana and beyond: Paul traces how the great guitar riffs were born, who borrowed from whom, and why a handful of notes can stay in your head for fifty years.
It's part gig, part guided tour. You'll hear the riffs, hear the stories behind them, and take a deep dive into the playing of some of music best known hits over 70 years, including the classical roots hiding inside some of rock's most famous lines.
The 22-string guitar
Paul plays what's believed to be the only 22-string guitar in the world, built for him by master luthier Andy Manson. His aim was an instrument with the range of a piano, and the result has to be seen and heard to be believed. Born in Hartlepool and raised on everything from Pink Floyd to Puccini, Paul has recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios and reached the final of Guitar Idol.
Good music, good cause
Oxenburys Yard and Clocktower Records are sponsoring this show, so all ticket sales go to Bridport Arts Centre's Come Together appeal. The Arts Centre is raising £400,000 to buy its building and bring it into community ownership, with a deadline of 18 December 2026. Your £10 ticket is a night out and a donation in one.
Event details
What
Celebration of the Guitar with Paul Garthwaite
When
Thursday 29 October 2026. Doors 7pm, music from 7.30pm
Where
Oxenburys Yard, Gundry Lane, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3RJ
Tickets
£10
Book
Bridport Tourist Information Centre, 01308 424901, or online at bridportandwestbay.co.uk
Supporting
Bridport Arts Centre's Come Together appeal
Sponsored by
Oxenburys Yard and Clocktower Records
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Paul Garthwaite concert in Bridport?
At Oxenburys Yard, Gundry Lane, Bridport DT6 3RJ, on Thursday 29 October 2026.
What time does it start?
Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm.
How much are tickets and where can I buy them?
Tickets are £10 from Bridport Tourist Information Centre (01308 424901) or online at bridportandwestbay.co.uk.
Where does the money go?
All ticket sales go to Bridport Arts Centre's Come Together appeal. Oxenburys Yard and Clocktower Records are sponsoring the show.
Do I need to know about guitars?
Not at all. If you love music and a good story, you'll enjoy it. Guitar fans will get plenty to sink their teeth into too.
More live music from Clocktower Records
Clocktower Records is Bridport's independent record shop, with pre-owned vinyl, a free coffee and a listening booth at Unit 10a, St Michael's Trading Estate. We back local music, from gigs at Oxenburys Yard to Bridport Arts Centre. Pop in and ask our friendly crew what's on.