The Grand in Clitheroe turns a Victorian public hall into a music venue

Clitheroe is best known for its castle and its market town charm, but it also has a music venue that punches well above the size of the town. The Grand, on the edge of the town centre, has become a regular stop for touring artists of many genres.

The building has a long history. It was first built in 1873-74 as Clitheroe Public Hall and is now Grade II listed, a reminder of the civic pride that shaped Lancashire towns in the Victorian era.

Its modern life began in 2005, when the building was bought by The Lancaster Foundation, a Clitheroe-based charitable organisation. An ambitious redevelopment followed, turning the old hall into a contemporary arts and entertainment space, while keeping the character of the original Victorian hall.

The results won praise early on. A Lancashire Telegraph article marking the venue's third anniversary described it as a top north west entertainment venue, and audio specialists d&b audiotechnik have highlighted the quality of its sound installation.

The programme draws on a wide range of music. Recent listings have included Buzzcocks, China Crisis and the blues guitarist Walter Trout, while dates further ahead have featured Snake Davis, Ozric Tentacles, Peat and Diesel and Space.

The Grand also has a place in the local scene. Bands from the area have played homecoming gigs there, including Good Foxy, who planned a show at the venue with proceeds going to charity, the kind of event that makes a venue feel part of its community.

For music lovers in the Ribble Valley, having a venue of this calibre on the doorstep means fewer late trains home from Manchester or Leeds. For visitors, a gig at The Grand is a fine excuse to explore Clitheroe and its surrounding countryside, from the castle keep to the walks around Pendle Hill. Pairing an evening show with a day in the Ribble Valley makes for a memorable weekend.

Listings and tickets are available on The Grand's website and through ticketing sites such as Songkick. Line-ups can change, so check the latest details before you travel to a show.