DMP at Number 39

The Hopstar Number 39 Brewery Tap

About the Bar

The bar is located just a few yards from Darwen's centre known as the 'Circus'. You'll find us in the lower pedestrianised part of Bridge Street. If you are arriving by car there is free parking directly opposite. By public transport, you have only a 1 minute walk from the Bus Station or about 7 minutes from the Railway Station.


The bar itself is quite small with a capacity of around 90. The tables and chairs layout gives it a warm 'jazz cafe' ambience. Out the back we have a sheltered smoking area furnished with low tables and 4 very comfortable sofas.


About the Beer

The Hopstar brewery is also located nearby in Darwen. It was founded by the bar's co-owner, Barry Tyson as a hobby to produce some great local beers using only the finest ingredients - we don't do cheap. The enjoyment is in producing good quaffing ale where folk come back for more. To affirm our beers are top-notch, Hopstar Real Ales have won over 20 awards nationwide. Visit the Hopstar Brewery website to learn more.


The bar also sells draught Real Ciders and Perrys from independent cider makers and was voted CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year in 2014 and again in 2017. We also stock a range of famously strong Belgian beers and lagers.


About the Music

Oh the wonderful music! Don't come here expecting an average 'pub band', live music at Number 39 is well aside from that beaten track. We cater for Jazz, Reggae/Ska, Blues, Western/Bluegrass/TexMex, World/Folk and Roots music as well as other alternative styles.


In 2000, Terry Walsh, the other co-owner, formed Darwen Music Projects to organise the 1st Darwen Live Festival. Since this initial fix, he, and Gary Ward, who runs the gigs at 39, have been addicted. Against all odds, they have strived, to bring to as large a local audience as possible, a broad range of music and musicians - from a Brazilian Air Force Samba Band (trombone, bass trombone, trumpet and drums) to the amazing Mrs Cakehead (several lunatics from Bacup), touching, on the way ; Tuvan throat singing ; Italian Tarantella (sung by Carlo, from Carlo's Deli) ; Hohodza Band and their Fabulous Dancing Queens (Zimbabwe) and a goodly amount of Modern Jazz.


Now DMP have their own venue, they have drawn on their experience and contacts to bring some absolutely splendid music to Number 39. Since the venue started Gary has built up an ever expanding web of music industry connections, which bring professional top quality musicians to our small bar. His reach goes beyond just the UK and he has brought us performers from Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, America, Africa, Venezuela and more.


In fact previous artistes that have appeared at Number 39 include; Andy Kershaw, Attila The Stockbroker, Henge, Kyla Brox Band, Butterfly Jam feat Melanie Williams, Honeyfeet, Baked A La Ska, Dave Ellis, Victor Brox, Tantz, Trevor Roots & The Collaborators, Dread Supreme, Gideon Conn, Kirsty Almeida, Jeremy Sassoon & Luke Flowers, John Ellis Trio, TwoManTing, Age Of Glass, World Service Project, Schnellertollermeier, Merry Hell, Extra Love, Kiki Deville, Captain Hotknives, Graham Clark, Edwina Heyes, Matt Woosey, The Hut People, Mambo Jambo and many many more!


Live music is every Thursday night at 9pm and is normally free admission. We also run additional events dependant on artist availability so keep an eye on our listings to the left.


Darwen Music Projects is a voluntary, non-profit making organisation.


Quotes about the bar....

BBC broadcaster Andy KershawA really nice bar and music venue, which I would recommend heartily to other performers. Nice folks who own and run it too.


Artist, composer and producer John EllisFabulous warm reception from a knowledgable audience, always a pleasure to play at Number 39. You're so lucky to have this place as your local.


Bob Kettle from Merry HellWe had a brilliant time at Number 39! Wonderful, wonderful, audience.


Nick B Hall from PlumhallThis has got to be one of the... no, 'The' friendliest place we've ever played.

Plumhall are Michelle Plum (ex Chumbawamba) and Nick B Hall (ex Magna Carta)


Get Carter's James MackieThanks to all our new friends in Darwen! Number 39 is a GREAT venue."

Mod-Jazz duo Get Carter are James Mackie (ex Selector and Madness) on Hammond organ and John Elles on Drums


The Rochdale Cowboy himself, Mike HardingWe went to a bar called Number 39 and I had a pint of real ale in a great acoustic music gig. Talking to local musos, I discovered that Darwen is a hot bed of live music and talent. Merry Hell play there regular and have a massive following.


The World Service ProjectAs ever, a really great gig had at Number 39 today. Such a fantastic place! The beer sits very nicely as well. Big up Gary!!


Andi Schnellmann from Swiss band SchnellertollermeierWe set off from Switzerland to tour all round Europe but we always look forward to Number 39 because it feels like we're coming home. The people are so friendly and really know their music.


John Bailey, acclaimed Jazz composer and guitaristThank you Number 39, I don't know of anywhere else I'd prefer to play... well, maybe Carnegie Hall.


Butterfly Jam's Melanie Williams and Joe Roberts"We loved it, what a vibe you guys have created . congratulations!"
 - Melanie Williams

"What a top place to play... fantastic!"
 - Joe Roberts


Captain Hotknives, teller of outrageous storiesGary Ward! Gazzereth you genius! Thank you so much for the gig you put me 'n Blanty on last night at the Number 39 in Darwen. Thanks to all who made it out on a Thursday night that was f***** excellent craic. It was SO good, still giddy on the train to London now... me 'n Blanty well wanna do it again!


Acclaimed singer/songwriter Edwina HayesWhat a beautiful night - XX. Thank you so much Gary for inviting me along to the Hopstar Brewery Tap.


The renowned wordsmith, Attila The StockbrokerAbsolutely fantastic gig at Number 39 Hopstar Brewery Tap in Darwen last night.


Singer / Songwriter Kirk McElhhinneyProper friendly venue, I wish all my gigs could be as good as the Number 39 gigs.


Jazz singer & songwriter Nel Begley from Rafe's DilemmaA massive thanks from Rafe's Dilemma for having us in September - it was our most enjoyable gig purely because of the incredible atmosphere you and your audience have!!!

Quotes

Contact Details

Contact the Venue
Number 39 Hopstar Brewery Tap
39-41, Bridge Street
Darwen
Lancashire
BB3 2AA


Contact the Organiser
Gary Ward
gonebeggin@talktalk.net