Banbury set to see canal side dining and live music in the town centre

To mark the opening weekend of the new space, Lock29 will welcome local artists Jake Melles and Lauren Nicole, who will be performing musical sets between 12-3pm and 4-7pm, respectively, on Saturday June 19.

The performance will take place in line with social distancing regulations and will also feature an outside pop-up bar operated by Lock29’s newly opened bar operator, Tap Social.

The new al fresco setting, which opened its doors on Tuesday June 15, will include seating and live music for local people and visitors to enjoy. Guests will be able to watch the next stage of the development unfold over the canal as the new cinema and restaurant space takes shape.

Tim Tarby-Donald, director of Visit Banbury CIC, said: “It’s really great news things are properly opening back up at Lock29, and that such a great social enterprise as Tap Social and local independent food businesses are in place to serve the people of Banbury and beyond. This is the start of big things for Banbury.”

The canal side has been transformed as part of the wider regeneration project creating a destination for visitors and the local community situated next to the historic canal. The outside space will continue to further develop with pop-up food and drink stalls and will be further enhanced with the first openings of Castle Quay Waterfront this summer.

Cllr Lynn Pratt, lead member for economy, regeneration and property at Cherwell District Council, said: “The development of the canal side is truly coming together. The opening of Lock29’s outdoor space marks another exciting stage in the regeneration for the town centre and will offer something different for our visitors to enjoy.

“The council had a vision for Banbury town centre and is continuing to deliver this. We are committed to the creation of a town centre that can attract people by having lots to offer in terms of activity and entertainment, encouraging further investment into the area.

"By creating a night-time economy for the town, we are helping to put Banbury on the map as a destination in the area.”

Construction work at Castle Quay Waterfront is continuing at pace and will transform the canal side, bringing new leisure experience to reinforce the current Castle Quay retail line-up, alongside The Light© Cinema, a Lidl supermarket, Premier Inn hotel and restaurants. The hotel and supermarket elements of the development will be opening later in the summer.