A SUMMER of live music and good company is just what we all need – and Liskeard’s pink pub is ready to get us back to our happy place!

After a tough year for everyone, landlord Alex McKay has lined up a full six months of music and is looking forward to bringing smiles and good vibes. Those who know the Albion will know it’s THE place for live bands, and if you’ve never experienced the brilliant atmosphere inside this friendly local pub, you’ll be glad you gave it a try.

Kicking off the calendar on May 20 is formidable blues musician and singer Russell Sinclair, and on Saturday, May 22, the Albion welcomes the Andy Quick Band, with their baggy indie, retro blues and Afro beats.

Thursdays throughout the summer will be Blues nights, Fridays will be with DJ Mr Flexx, and Saturdays will see some top bands appear, many returning to Liskeard thanks to the reception they’ve had from the crowd at the Albion in the past.

One such act is Duncan Disorderly and the Scallywags, who are coming back to Liskeard after enjoying their previous gig so much.

“They are a really special band,” said Alex, “I’d recommend anyone who doesn’t know them to check them out and come along to the gig on August 1.

“They are a big festival band, but they’re more than happy to come because places like here are where they started out.”

The Albion is also the place to hear your favourite local bands and discover new musicians – the pub has provided more than a few school bands their first live gig and the favour is repaid when some of those groups come back to the venue after going on to bigger things. Sunday afternoons will see solo singers, acoustic music, and a laid-back lazy feel at the pub.

“Sundays from 4pm has always been a really popular time for people to come in and chill out for the afternoon,” says Alex.

A weekend not to miss is July 18-19, when the Albion will host two days of the best Blues musicians in the South West including James Dixon, Vince Lee, The Big Sets, and many more.

“I love the blues but what I love even more is the people involved in that kind of music,” Alex says.

“They’re such a diverse bunch in terms of the styles they play, such nice people and such unbelievable talent. I feel quite privileged they want to come here because they play some really big venues.”

Great prices on quality beers are also promised, says Alex, as he’s secured some really good promotions from St Austell Brewery.

The pub’s garden is all set up with the new outdoor “Cow Shed” stage and whether we get sunny afternoons or liquid sunshine, guests will stay warm, sheltered and dry thanks to the covered seating area and heating.

More than anything, Alex and the Albion team are excited about welcoming people into the pub and seeing everyone get together again.

“The whole six months of music ahead, I can say we’ve self-indulged, we’ve taken the bands we love, who’ve supported us and we’ve supported them, we know they’re good, and we’ve got six months of absolute quality. Every single weekend, right up to New Year’s Eve, I’m looking forward to it.”