Roadmender under new management

The Roadmender in Northampton town is now under new management

Excitement gripped Northampton's music scene for the announcement that The Roadmender would be going under new management.

It has been taken over by 'Bright Sparks Venues', headed by previous manager of the Roadmender, Dave Maule.

The 23 year old has high aspirations for the Roadmender hoping to steer it into new directions.

The Roadmender will remain open to customers and tickets to existing events will still be valid.

Dave, who left the venue in 2007, saw the venues problems in the paper and approached the landlords to get it put in his name.

He told the Weekender: "We're looking at developing a new program of live events which should be quite exciting, we want to really work on the local music scene."

The takeover

Dave also worked as general manager at the Soundhaus in Northampton, said taking charge of Roadmender was something he always wanted to do.

It's already been shut once this year already so we just wanted to keep it going Dave Maule

However, this isn't the first time that the Roadmender has gone through a takeover in recent years, and has become somewhat renowned for its stop and start nature.

Dave said "We wanted to just open straight away and just keep it going because it's already been shut once this year already so we just wanted to keep it going. I think that's the most important thing."

As for internal changes, apart from a bit of a refurbishment, Dave assured us that the running of the venue will remain the same.

"All the bar staff have reapplied for their jobs, and if they want them they can have them." The management and event organisers have also retained their positions.

Dave has also introduced some new projects at the venue and a under 18s theatre workshop has already been commissioned to take place at weekends.

As well as a stronger focus on local music talent, there are plans to attract bigger names and acts to The Roadmender.

Already lined up for the coming months are the likes of Gallows, Slow Club and Little Boots.