A popular indoor market near Birmingham, which saw massive queues when it opened last year, is adding a major new free attraction to draw in evening crowds.
Legendary Blues Night Finds New Home
Henry's Blueshouse, the iconic Birmingham club night where the band that became Black Sabbath first played, is launching a weekly residency at West Bromwich Indoor Market. The free nights of live blues music will begin on Friday, January 16, and will run every Friday from 7pm until 10pm.
The market, which opened in August 2025 to huge fanfare and long queues for stalls like the famed Firkins bakery, will keep its stallholders open until 9pm on these evenings. Visitors can enjoy street food and drinks, including cocktails, while listening to the music.
A Rich Musical Heritage
The club night has a storied history dating back to 1968. Originally held at The Crown pub on Station Street, it was where Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – then called Earth – got their break. Over the years, it has also hosted acts like Jethro Tull, Status Quo and Thin Lizzy.
Organised by Jim Simpson, Black Sabbath's first manager, this marks the first time Henry's Blueshouse has established a regular event in the Black Country. "We're thrilled to be extending Henry's to the Black Country," Simpson said. He thanked Sandwell Council for the partnership to "bring regular live blues to West Bromwich High Street."
Boosting the Local Economy and Atmosphere
Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, stated the move supports businesses and creates an inviting atmosphere. "We're excited to have these music events... to entertain visitors and create a wonderful, inviting atmosphere for everyone," he commented.
The initial line-up for January and February includes:
- January 16: Rich Dickinson's Driving Force
- January 23: Jamie Thyer & The Worried Men
- January 30: Slide Boy Roy
- February 6: The Shufflepack
- February 13: Honeyboy Hickling Blues Band
- February 20: The Shakedown Brothers
- February 27: Chickenbone Blues Band
More acts are planned throughout the spring and beyond, offering a sustained boost to the market's evening trade and local cultural scene.
