Grace Lightman’s December Gig Guide: End the Year on a High Note
Our Music Ambassador Grace Lightman is wrapping up 2025 with a handpicked selection of December gigs that bring festive cheer, fierce energy, and a few surprises. Whether you're into folk, funk, film scores, or future stars — there’s something here for every kind of music lover.
Here are Grace’s top live music picks for December in Plymouth:
4 December – The Last Dinner Party @ Pavilions (with Imogen and the Knife)
Fresh from topping the BBC Sound of 2024 and causing a stir at festivals all year, The Last Dinner Party are heading to Plymouth Pavilions — and they’re bringing Imogen and the Knife along for the ride. Expect baroque pop drama, epic vocals and a headline set that’s sure to be one of the gigs of the year.
📍 Plymouth Pavilions
🎟️ Tickets via Live Nation
📸 @thelastdinnerparty
6 December – Malavita! @ Leadworks (with Weatherman Sounds DJ Set)
Get ready to dance. Local legends Malavita! are bringing their signature Latin-funk-electro energy to Leadworks for a wild night of groove, sweat and celebration. With support from Weatherman Sounds on the decks, this is the perfect pre-Christmas party for anyone who loves a live band and a packed dancefloor.
📍 Leadworks
🎟️ Book via Eventbrite
📸 @malavitaband
13 December – Battleship Potemkin with Live Score @ The House
This is a rare treat for film and music lovers alike. The Pit Orchestra will perform a brand-new live score to the 1925 silent Soviet film Battleship Potemkin, creating an immersive experience in the intimate setting of The House. Expect atmosphere, emotion, and some seriously cinematic sounds.
📍 The House, Plymouth Conservatoire
🎟️ Book tickets
📸 @thepitorchestra
14 December – The Sunday Sermon: Neil Burns Trio with Badcore Horns @ The Bread and Roses
An early evening jazz session in a cosy pub, The Sunday Sermon is a monthly favourite for local music fans. This edition features the Neil Burns Trio, bringing tight grooves and melodic flair, alongside the Badcore Horns for added soul and brass power. Free entry, good beer, great sound.
📍 The Bread and Roses
🔗 Event info
📸 @sundaysermonjazz
14 December – Alex Hart & Jon Fazal @ The Box
A beautifully festive night of folk music from acclaimed Devon singer-songwriter Alex Hart, joined by Plymouth favourite Jon Fazal and special guests. Taking place in The Box’s atmospheric gallery space, this is the perfect way to pause and soak in the season with live music and community spirit.
📍 The Box, Tavistock Place
🎟️ Tickets here
📸 @alexhartmusic @jonfazalmusic
20 December – Meridia, Playwriter, The Other Woman + more @ The Underground
The festive punk/alt-pop blowout you didn’t know you needed. Plymouth’s new underground venue The Underground is hosting Meridia, Playwriter, The Other Woman and more for a night of raw energy, big vocals and community vibes. A must-attend for fans of DIY gigs and rising talent.
📍 The Underground, Plymouth
🔗 Venue link
📸 @meridiamusic @playwritermusic @theotherwomanband
Keep Connected
This is Grace Lightman’s final gig guide of the year — and we couldn’t be more grateful for her brilliant curations and insights into Plymouth’s rich music scene. Follow @whatson_plymculture (on instagram and TikTok) and @gracelightman to stay in the loop as we head into a new year of music, community and creativity.
