The Chelmsford music scene was in shock yesterday after the Barhouse in Chelmsford said that it is to close at the beginning of May. As a result, live music fans in the town have been left wondering what the future holds for them.

Since opening nearly three years ago, the Barhouse has played host to 350 DJ's, 2,000 bands, and 650 gigs and has become Chelmsford's premier live music venue. It has also held a number of other events which had not been seen in the town before such as Burlesque shows, Hip Hop Karaoke, Graffiti Art performances, Spoken Word, Silent Discos, and introduced live streaming over the internet.

The Barhouse fans have also experienced some memorable shows during the past 33 months including acts such as, legends of the hip hop scene, Kurtis Blow & The Furious Five, Skream (who destroyed the DJ booth), Erol Alkan, Beardyman, Does It Offend You Yeah, Tim Westwood, Caspa, The Maccabees, Benga, Mystery Jets, Goldie Looking Chain, Missing Andy, Ratpack, Mistaja, Ragga, Twins, The Milk & Leeroy Thornhill. They have also held some fantastic parties, most noticeable at Halloween.

As a way of saying thank you to all their audiences, staff and everyone involved with the Barhouse in Chelmsford since it opened, and to see the closure out in their own inimitable style, they have has a long weekend of celebration planned. Starting on Thursday 28th April 2011, there will Bandcrash is Dead, a live music from various bands, followed on the Friday by 21 Years of MC Fearless. Saturday 30th April sees an All Day & Night Live Music Festival with ten live acts, and the final event on the Sunday will see a free 24 hour closing party party featuring dance music, past DJ's & a very special guest.

So what of the future for music in Chelmsford? Well it is not as bleak as it might seem! In their statement the Barhouse owners also stated that although they were leaving their current venue in Victoria Road, it did not spell the end of the project and in the not to distant future, the Barhouse would be re-locating and re-launching itself as a purely live music venue in Chelmsford. Unfortunately, no other details of location or dates were forthcoming, so it looks like a case of the old cliché ‘watch this space'.

Whilst waiting for the re-opening, Chelmsford music fans will need to look for an alternative way of enjoying live music. The owners of the Barhouse have confirmed that during the interim period, they are looking to become more involved in one-off live music events, especially with music festivals, and plans are in the advanced stage for holding music parties in Chelmsford and the surrounding area, featuring touring bands and leading dance music artists. Fans are again advised to keep a watch out for news.

There are several other live music venues in Chelmsford, catering for all genres and tastes. From small halls and pubs with regular local acts, to magnificent outdoor settings with internationally renowned superstars, Chelmsford has everything that a music fan could want.

One of the most popular Chelmsford live music venues is the Golden Fleece in the heart of the town. Located in Duke Street, the Golden Fleece has recently been refurbished, offers great food and drink, and has live music on offer every week. With a whole range of music across the spectrum, from unsigned Essex bands, to 60's nights, thumping DJ's to Cover Bands, Rock to Disco, you can be assured that there is something for everyone at the Golden Fleece in Chelmsford. Some of the bands who have appeared or will be appearing in the next few months include, Freebird, Sugarush, Bad Behaviour Boys, Hot Sauce, The Inturns, No More Heros, Gun Metal Grey, and Repetoire Dogs.

If you are looking to go clubbing in Chelmsford, then Missoula in Springfield is a popular venue for clubbers with the latest dance tunes being played by some of the top DJ's around. Whether you are eating, drinking or dancing, you can enjoy a great atmosphere, especially when the famous Hat Club are in town.

If you are looking for live music in a more sedate environment than a sweaty club banging out head pumping dance numbers, then why not try one of the two Chelmsford Theatres. There are regular shows including classical music concerts, tribute acts, well known pop and rock acts both past present & choir concerts, held at both the Cramphorn Theatre & the Civic Theatre, which are adjacent to each other in the heart of Chelmsford.

The big live music events in Chelmsford take place every year in the delightful surroundings of Hylands Park. For the past ten years, it has been home to the world famous V Festival at the end of August, along with a number of hugely successful artists such as Katherine Jenkins, Tom Jones, & Billy Ocean and this year will see Russell Watson appearing at the end of June. In addition, there is an eagerly anticipated mega double concert featuring two of the hottest acts around at the moment, JLS & Olly Murs. This will take place in July, with two concerts over one weekend and is already a total sell-out.

Another extra treat this year (2011) for Chelmsford music fans, is the Heart Club Classics ‘Party in the Park', which will take place at the end of June. Hosted by some of the radio station's presenters, such as Martyn Day, acts booked to appear include Ce Ce Peniston, Jocelyn Brown, Imagination, Oddyssey, Ultra Nate, Soul to Soul, the Gibson Brothers, and Corona.

So, whilst local music fans wait for news of the Barhouse re-launch, there is plenty of opportunity to sample live Chelmsford music at a number of venues in the town. If it's live music in Chelmsford that you are looking for, then what we are promised is the temporary closure of the Barhouse, although disappointing, should not adversely affect your enjoyment.

The Music Scene in Chelmsford - Have Your Say!

What do think about the Barhouse closing its doors? Have you ever been to the Barhouse, or any of the other venues above, or know of any others worth mentioning in Chelmsford? If so, please feel free to leave your comments below and let us know what you think of the Chelmsford music scene.