McFly star Danny Jones is heading back to his grassroots beginnings with a free performance at an iconic London pub on Saturday 29 August.
Music fans are in for a special night as Danny takes to the stage for a free one-off live performance at The Anchor Bankside pub in London at 5pm. As part of Greene King pubs’ Live at Your Local campaign and grassroots music competition, Greene King Untapped, Danny will headline an evening dedicated to emerging talent and unforgettable live music. His set will kick off a great night of entertainment ahead of the competition’s London regional heat, where six of the capital’s most exciting up-and-coming artists will compete for a spot in the national final.
The free gig comes as new research from Greene King pubs reveals almost two thirds of Brits (64%) feel major concerts are currently financially inaccessible, while more than a quarter (27%) are looking for more affordable entertainment this summer.
In London, that rises to 38%, with almost a third of Londoners (32%) also looking for more opportunities to experience music with other people and the same proportion wanting more opportunities to discover new artists.
The findings also highlight the lasting impact of discovering artists live, with 29% of Brits having become lifelong fans after seeing an artist perform, while 27% have heard a song at a gig that went on to become one of their favourites.
Danny’s performance is part of Live at Your Local, supported by Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola, which will see 900 grassroots artists perform at free live music events in pubs across the UK throughout August and September, giving emerging artists the opportunity to perform in front of new audiences and compete for a career-defining prize.
The winner will receive a career-changing prize package including:
£10,000 in cash
A professional studio recording session
A performance slot at the Rolling Stone UK Awards 2026
An exclusive mentoring session with Danny
Danny will also join the judging panel at the national final in London this September, helping to crown the UK’s next breakthrough artist.
Danny Jones said: “My music journey started in grassroots venues which gave me the opportunity to learn my craft, build my confidence and experience that unbeatable buzz that you get from performing in front of a live audience.
“That’s exactly why I’m excited to be part of Live at Your Local. In local venues, you get to see musicians creating something special right in front of you and that’s a feeling that you can’t capture through a phone. When you’re starting out, those moments are what matters and that feeling of connecting with a live audience is something I still love.”
Andrew Gallagher, Brand and Marketing Director at Greene King pubs, said: “Pubs have always played a significant role in the UK’s live music scene, giving grassroots artists their first opportunity to perform and bring communities together through live music.
“Having Danny perform at one of our pubs perfectly captures what Live at Your Local is all about. His career began in venues just like The Anchor, and we hope his performance inspires people to come along and support local artists but more importantly, rediscover the excitement of seeing live music in their local pub.”
Greene King pubs has also teamed up for the second year with Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola to support the Music Venue Trust. For every eligible Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola purchased, 10p will be donated to the Trust, funding community projects and initiatives that nurture emerging talent across the country. Customers will also be able to experience Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola at the upcoming Anchor event with a bar and merchandise giveaways.
Danny’s free performance will take place at The Anchor Bankside on Saturday 29 August at 5pm. Entry is free, but capacity is limited, so audiences are encouraged to arrive early.
Music fans across the UK can also find free Live at Your Local gigs taking place near them by visiting www.greeneking.co.uk/live-at-your-local
