Founded in 2011, Schtumm Presents was created with a passion for discovering exceptional live music and bringing artists and audiences together in an intimate, welcoming environment. Based at The Queens Head in Box, Wiltshire, Schtumm Presents has grown from a small independent promoter into a respected platform for grassroots, folk, blues, roots, world, jazz and alternative music, presenting hundreds of performances over more than a decade.

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From its very first season, Schtumm Presents has championed original music and emerging talent alongside internationally recognised artists. Over the years the programme has welcomed performers from across the UK and around the world, including musicians with connections to Fairport Convention, Noah and the Whale, Hothouse Flowers, Dexys Midnight Runners and many more, while also providing a stage for exciting new artists at the beginning of their careers. The organisation has always believed that audiences deserve the opportunity to discover music they may never otherwise encounter.

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A defining feature of Schtumm Presents has been its commitment to building a musical community rather than simply promoting concerts. Annual  Jamborees, WOMAD warm-up events, Schtumm Xtra performances, monthly Open Mic sessions and collaborations with local musicians have helped establish a loyal audience and an inclusive atmosphere where artists and audiences feel equally valued.

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Like many independent promoters, Schtumm Presents faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than pause completely, the organisation adapted by presenting socially distanced outdoor performances and COVID Sessions, ensuring that live music continued to reach audiences while providing much-needed opportunities for artists during an exceptionally difficult period.

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Schtumm Presents continued to champion independent live music with the same values on which it was founded: quality over commerciality, artist-first programming and a belief that live music can enrich communities. More than a decade after its first concert, Schtumm Presents became an established and respected part of Wiltshire's cultural landscape, presenting an ever-evolving programme that celebrates creativity, diversity and the power of live performance.

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As the live music landscape continues to evolve, Schtumm Presents has faced the same challenges affecting many independent grassroots promoters, particularly a sustained decline in audience numbers. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to step back from our regular programme of curated concerts. For the foreseeable future, the venue will focus on hosting performances through direct bookings with artists and bands who already have an established following, helping to ensure that live music at The Queens Head remains sustainable.

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This is not the end of the Schtumm Presents story. Supporting emerging artists and introducing audiences to exceptional new music has always been at the heart of what we do, and we remain committed to those values. We hope that, as audience confidence and attendance recover, we will once again be able to provide a platform for new and developing artists, continuing our tradition of championing original live music and nurturing the next generation of talent.