AGMP Presents
The Assembly in Royal Leamington Spa celebrates it's 100th anniversary (1926-2026) with a series of unmissable concerts. 

THE BLOCKHEADS + EXTC Formed in 1977 to promote Ian Durys' album New Boots and Panties on the first Stiff Records tour of the U.K. - Chaz Jankel, Norman Watt-Roy, Charlie Charles, John Turnbull, and Micky Gallagher - became known as The Blockheads. As Ian Dury & The Blockheads they went back out on tour, and in 1978 released What a Waste a single that reached #5 in the U.K. charts. They were then joined by saxophonist Davey Payne and toured the U.S.A supporting Lou Reed. In 1979 Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick (#1 in the UK charts) and Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3 (#3 in the UK charts) were released along with the classic Do It Yourself LP. Ian Dury & The Blockheads disbanded in 1982 only to reform in the early 1990's to perform at the 'Madstock' Festival in Finsbury Park headlined by Madness. 


XTC's legendary drummer, Terry Chambers, is back on the road with his band EXTC (named and approved by XTC frontman, Andy Partridge). 
Emerging out of the post-punk and new-wave explosion of the late 70s, XTC experienced global success touring with the likes of The Police and Talking Heads. Sadly, their legions of loyal fans would be left in limbo when in 1982 XTC stopped touring, becoming a studio-based entity.
EXTC were formed in 2019 by XTC's drummer Terry Chambers, performing classic XTC material such as Making Plans For Nigel, Senses Working Overtime, Mayor of Simpleton, Generals and Majors, Sgt. Rock (Is Going To Help Me), Love on a Farmboy's Wages and many more.
An AGMP Concerts presentation.

 This event is for over 18s only - No refunds will be issued for under 18s 

Description

The Assembly is a stunning, art-deco, multi-function venue in the heart of Leamington Spa. It opened its doors in the summer of 2008 after a multi-million pound redevelopment designed by Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen. The venue won the highly coveted Music Week Award for ‘Best Live Music Venue’ in 2010 after winning the award for ‘Best Live Entertainment Venue’ at the 2009 Godiva Awards.

Built in 1926, the venue was originally named The Bath Assembly Hall. Its Art-Deco interior, indicative of the period, was the setting for balls and dances where the Foxtrot, Waltz and Quickstep were the moves of the moment. It was later named The Palais de Danse where local dancer, Robert Creelman, was master of ceremonies and music was provided by resident players, The Jack Southern Band. During this time, the venue was known for its own dance step; The Palais Glide and the building continued to host dances throughout the 30s and 40s when it was popular with locally-based American servicemen. Renamed again in 1952 as The Embassy Ballroom (later to inspire the Embassy Days events!), it continued to hold dances and local events until it became a bingo hall.

Now, after a period of closure, the 1000 capacity (or 400 seated) main hall, along with all of its original decorative and architectural features, has been meticulously renovated to reveal the original beauty of the room. In contrast to the work done to exhibit the history of the building, a brand new state of the art PA and lighting rig has been installed and a new stage which offers excellent sightlines throughout the venue. The combination of a sense of history and the traditional with the need for the comfort and practicality, achieved by using cutting edge technology, is why The Assembly has become the venue of choice for artists and audiences alike. This, alongside the helpful, friendly bar staff and security team, all help to provide a welcoming and safe environment to watch a show.

Once in the venue, there is a choice of 3 bars; the main bar area has comfortable, relaxed seating and is found beyond soundproofed doors, for those who want to escape briefly! Another bar is positioned conveniently to the rear of the main hall. With a seating area providing a view of the stage, this is the ideal spot to relax while still taking in the atmosphere. The third bar provides an intimate space from the balcony to grab a drink and watch the shows from above for the optimum view of the stage and audience.

The eclectic programme of events has so far included shows with; Razorlight, The Kooks, Russell Howard, Steve Winwood, Doves, Pendulum, Patti Smith, Lee Mack, The Cribs, Corinne Bailey Rae, New York Dolls, The Stranglers, Hospitality records. Soul II Soul, Billy Ocean, Beverley Knight, Mr Scruff, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Fall, Goldfrapp and so many more.

The Assembly’s own self-promoted Club Events have become extremely popular in the area. On Saturdays you will find Mixtape, a heady mix of anthems from the 90s, 00s – present day, alongside world class DJs and underground acts such as Sigma, Chase & Status and The Hospitality line up.

The venue is accessible for disabled users via a lift and there are raised areas within the main hall from which to view the stage.

Situated next door to Leamington Spa train station and just a few minutes drive from the M40, the Assembly is ideally located for private functions, corporate events and external promoters and the events team can guide and assist you through the process of making your event a huge success.