Right in the heart of Derby, the Old Bell Hotel delivers exactly what you want from a busy Saturday night…
By K Futur LOCALDerby’s live music scene continues its resurgence in 2026, and on Friday 20th February one of the city’s most loved grassroots venues is set to host a genuinely unmissable night. Brought to you by The Indie Night, a stacked bill featuring Sura Laynes, Beatnik Hurricane (ft Barry Sutton of The La’s and Cast) and The Telephones lands at The Vic Inn for an evening of heartfelt indie rock, cosmic psychedelia and timeless songwriting.
For fans of jangling guitars, soaring harmonies and authentic British indie spirit, this is the sort of gig that reminds you why small venues matter.
The Vic Inn, Derby-The Beating Heart of Local Live Music
There’s something special about a Friday night at The Vic Inn. Tucked away but never overlooked, it has become a cornerstone of Derby’s alternative culture-hosting everyone from emerging local bands to touring acts who thrive on close-up connection with their audience.
The Vic isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about sweat on the walls, guitars ringing out just inches away, and a crowd that genuinely cares about the music. It’s exactly the right setting for a bill built on honest songwriting and electrifying live performance.
Sura Laynes-Derby’s Rising Indie Rock Contenders
Formed in 2022, Sura Laynes have quickly established themselves as one of Derby’s most exciting new indie rock bands. The four-piece deliver sharp, melodic rock and roll rooted in classic British influences yet sounding fresh and immediate.
Fans of The La’s, The Libertines and The Beatles will instantly recognise the DNA: clean, chiming guitars, soaring harmonies and lyrics that wear their heart proudly on their sleeve.
But Sura Laynes are no tribute act to the past. There’s a confidence in their songwriting that feels distinctly modern. Their live shows balance tight musicianship with that crucial sense of spontaneity that makes indie rock thrilling in the first place. On home turf at The Vic Inn, expect a fired-up set full of melody, momentum and moments that linger long after the last chord fades.
For Derby music fans searching for the next local band to get behind, Sura Laynes are firmly in that conversation.

Beatnik Hurricane ft Barry Sutton-Cosmic Scouse Brilliance
Adding serious pedigree to the evening is Beatnik Hurricane, led by Barry Sutton-formerly of The La’s and Cast.
Sutton’s songwriting credentials span decades, rooted in the golden era of British indie yet never confined by it. Beatnik Hurricane channel what many have affectionately dubbed “Cosmic Scouse”-a vibrant blend of Merseyside melody, expansive guitar textures and boundary-pushing musicianship.
There’s a richness to their sound that reflects years of craft: layered guitars, thoughtful arrangements and choruses that feel both intimate and widescreen. Seeing Barry Sutton perform in a venue as close-knit as The Vic Inn is a rare opportunity. This isn’t a distant festival slot or a huge arena stage-it’s songwriting up close and personal.
For anyone who grew up on the jangling brilliance of The La’s or the anthemic drive of Cast, this set alone is worth the ticket price.
The Telephones-Modern Psychedelic Rock with Heart
Since 2006, The Telephones have carved out their own distinctive take on modern psychedelic rock ’n’ roll. Across two albums and multiple singles, they have built a reputation for expansive soundscapes and performances that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.
Following the heartbreaking loss of guitarist and co-writer Jim Widdop, the band continue to honour his musical legacy through powerful live shows that critics and fans alike have praised for their emotional weight and classic qualities.
There’s something deeply affecting about a band that plays not just for applause but for remembrance. Expect swirling guitars, hypnotic rhythms and a set that bridges nostalgia and forward motion. In a venue like The Vic Inn, those psychedelic textures will feel immersive-the sort of performance that draws you in and refuses to let go.
Why This Indie Night in Derby Matters
Derby’s live music scene has been steadily rebuilding, and nights like this underline why grassroots promotion is so important. The Indie Night isn’t simply putting on another gig; it’s curating an experience that connects local talent with national pedigree.
A bill that moves from Derby’s own Sura Laynes, through Merseyside’s cosmic indie lineage, to the psych-rock depth of The Telephones creates a journey across eras and influences. It’s a celebration of British indie rock in all its forms-melodic, psychedelic, heartfelt and loud.
For younger gig-goers discovering live music in Derby for the first time, this is the type of lineup that can spark lifelong loyalty to the scene. For seasoned fans, it’s a reminder that great songwriting never goes out of fashion.
Ticket Information-Don’t Leave It Too Late
Tickets are priced at:
Advance: £10
On The Door: £15
With a lineup this strong and The Vic Inn’s intimate capacity, advance tickets are strongly recommended. Derby gigs of this calibre have a habit of filling up quickly, especially when word spreads about a stacked bill.
Final Word-A Night Not to Be Missed
Sura Laynes bring local pride and rising-star energy. Beatnik Hurricane deliver decades of songwriting brilliance through Barry Sutton’s unmistakable guitar craft. The Telephones offer psychedelic depth and emotional resonance.
Together, on Friday 20th February 2026 at The Vic Inn, they form one of the most compelling indie rock nights Derby has seen this winter.
If you care about live music in Derby, if you value honest songwriting and electrifying guitars, or if you simply want to spend a Friday night surrounded by people who still believe in the power of a great band on a small stage, this is where you need to be.
Derby live music is alive and well. And on 20th February, it’s going to sound spectacular.
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