One Year at The Peacock: John Wilkins Thanks the Huddersfield Community That Backed Him

One year ago, John Wilkins took over The Peacock on Leeds Road. Twelve months later, after what he freely describes as a difficult year filled with challenges and hurdles, he is still behind the bar — and this week he is marking the milestone by saying thank you to the people who helped keep the pub going.

For Monkey GigsList, that makes this more than an anniversary notice. The Peacock is one of our Supporter venues, and John's message is a reminder of exactly why supporting local pubs and live entertainment matters.

A tough year — and a loyal community

John's anniversary message puts the credit firmly with the people around him: his loyal local customers, family and friends, the team behind the bar, and those who stepped in with help and guidance when the first year became difficult.

He also singled out Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants supporters who have continued choosing The Peacock as a pre- and post-match drinking venue. The Leeds Road pub has long been closely tied to Huddersfield's sporting community, and that matchday role remains an important part of its identity.

There was thanks too for the pub's four pool teams, two domino teams and the regular Sunday karaoke crowd — the sort of groups that turn a pub from a building serving drinks into a genuine local meeting place.

Friday night: Wayne Simon joins the anniversary party

The first celebration takes place this Friday, 25 September, when The Peacock hosts its first-anniversary party with live entertainment from Wayne Simon, whose 'Daft & Eclectic!' set ranges from the 1950s to the 2000s with a few laughs along the way. Food will also be on offer.

It's a chance for the customers who have supported John through year one to raise a glass with him — and, in true Peacock fashion, there'll be live entertainment at the heart of it.

And Sunday is for the karaoke faithful

The celebrations don't stop there. On Sunday, 27 September, The Peacock is holding a second party specifically as a thank-you to the loyal karaoke customers who turn up week after week.

John also gave special thanks in his anniversary message to Sharon Blain, Babs Duggan, Lisa Joy, Richard Wagler and Jayne Wagler for their support and guidance from day one.

Monkey Supporter Spotlight: The Peacock

The Peacock, 392 Leeds Road, Huddersfield HD2 1XL, is a proud Monkey GigsList Supporter venue. Supporting venues like The Peacock helps keep local pubs, grassroots entertainment and the communities around them alive.

So from everyone at Monkey GigsList: congratulations on surviving year one, John. Here's to year two — hopefully with fewer hurdles, plenty more music and a packed pub this Friday.

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