Folkestone Music in May Festival 2023

Introducing music in may 2023

2nd WAVE OF ACTS ANNOUNCED!

Music in May is a celebration of all things music in the world’s first Music Town – Folkestone. Throughout the month of May, there will be a multitude of exciting live music performances, gigs and concerts featuring International, National and Local artists, bands and musicians. 

Music and songwriting workshops, open mic nights and seminars will also be taking place at various venues across the town, spreading the music love and supporting grass roots musicians to progress and develop their musical skills, empowering the next generation of musicians and songwriters.

#FolkestoneMusic #MusicInMay #EveryDayInMay

Live music in Folkestone - Music in May festival 2023

Music In May Opening Weekend

(28th & 29th April)

Music In May will be kicking off with a BANG!

First up, we have the legendary pioneer Jazzie B kicking things off with a live DJ set at The Chambers on Friday, 28th April.

On Saturday, 29th April we have a very special event planned, featuring the Big Beer Band and a collection of very special guests!

We simply can’t wait, and we hope to see you there!

Folkestone's Busking OUT

EVERY SATURDAY IN MAY

As part of Music in May, we’re inviting buskers of all kinds to perform throughout Folkestone, every Saturday in May.

We have worked closely with Folkestone & Hythe District Council to provide 6 official Music in May busking areas, with shelter and backline provided. Of course, whatever you earn is yours to keep!

If you’d like to learn more or request a slot, click the button below.

The Big Beer Band

29th April at The Quarterhouse

As part of our official launch weekend, we have a very special event planned.

The Big Beer Band are an 18-piece collective of professional session musicians, performing big band covers of popular songs including TV & film.

They will be joined by Jessica Hynes, Nina Clark, Katie Bradley and Sophia Stutchbury.

Expect beer, banter and brass!

PROGRAMME

Opening Weekend (28th April Onwards)

Folkestones First ART GIG: GRAMN. presented by Tapped In
28 Apr, 2023
Friday
5:00 pm
10:30 pm

Folkestones First ART GIG: GRAMN. presented by Tapped In

The Last Friday of the month is a highlight in Folkestone’s cultural calendar – where the creative community share a carnival of creative carry-ons in venues along Tontine and the Old High Street. Soulful avante-pop trio GRAMN. are no strangers to Folkestone, having written and recorded all their music in a studio near the harbour. For the Last Friday of April GRAMN. have teamed up with artist collective Tapped In to bring you a multidisciplinary art-gig. Like Kandinsky for whom each colour bore an intrinsic sound, artists have made work in response to GRAMN.’s music which will be exhibited before an exclusive performance of the band’s new material. Punctuated by the cheapest bar on the street, this will be a night of joined perception to remember. Imagine Sault featuring Solange covering Bill Withers songs at the golden hour surrounded by fresh artwork from some of the UK’s best new talent. Gallery will open to the public from 5 – 7pm Reopening for GRAMN. ticket holders at 8pm with DJ and Bar

Brewery Tap
Stephen Bridgland Trio
28 Apr, 2023
Friday
7:00 pm
10:00 pm

Stephen Bridgland Trio

The Sunset Session at the Lighthouse Tasting Rooms with live music from Stephen Bridgland

The Tasting Rooms
JAZZIE B Dj set @ The Chambers, Folkestone
28 Apr, 2023
Friday
8:00 pm
1:00 am

JAZZIE B Dj set @ The Chambers, Folkestone

The return to The Chambers of the icon behind Soul II Soul who almost single handed was responsible for a shift in the tone and attitude of the UK music scene – JAZZIE B.
It’s virtually a year to the day that Jazzie came to Folkestone for the 1st time and played a game changing set for us all at The Chambers. It was a night that helped us reignite passions here at camp Chambers by lighting a fire under us that was impossible to ignore. Also though, it sparked attitudes in folks in the public too and reminded them of what gigs – hospitality – FUN was all about!! That night with Jazzie made a real solid difference to how we moved forward post covid, so his return to us this April is a double whammy and a complete pleasure xxx
Don’t hang around getting tickets for this legendary night just waiting to happen!
“The Chambers is a grassroots music venue established in 1998 & is recognised as ‘culturally relevant’ by Arts Council England. We bring you local & international musical talent every week alongside art events, exhibitions & some of the worlds great Dj names. We try to present music that gives you memories x Come see something real & live in your hometown today” #folkestonemusictown #mvt #acesupported

The Chambers
Controlled Voltage – Live electronic music showcase
28 Apr, 2023
Friday
8:00 pm
1:00 am

Controlled Voltage – Live electronic music showcase

Have you been missing a night in Folkestone were you can go to have a drink and dance away to the early hours with your friends. Well, look no further, because that’s exactly what this event is intended for. We’ve gathered some of the best electronic music artists locally, to entertain you for the evening. And what’s even better, is that this event is totally FREE. So don’t delay, add this date to your diaries. Your support is very much appreciated, and could lead to further events. We’ll see you on the dancefloor.

Quarterhouse
Folkestone Music Lab
29 Apr, 2023
Saturday
10:00 am
12:30 pm

Folkestone Music Lab

Folkestone Music Lab is a creative space for young people aged 11-19 to work on band development, music technology and production, singing and instrumental skills, song writing and more. No matter what your style, ability or interest – you might be a budding sound engineer, want to play jazz, rock or classical music – we will make every effort to provide for you. If we don’t have what you want, tell us and we will provide it! The Music Lab is committed to Youth Voice and we want our members to have a big say in how it develops and what it does each week. All sessions are supported by a team of professional tutors and pastoral staff who are passionate about music and helping young musicians develop their skills. musiccentres@kent-music.com

Folkestone Academy
Folkestone Junior Choir
29 Apr, 2023
Saturday
10:00 am
11:30 am

Folkestone Junior Choir

Experience singing a wide range of repertoire in a variety of genres and styles under the supportive guidance of tutor Helen. Meet other young singers and build self-confidence and skills in a fun environment at regular Saturday sessions. Each session will include warmups, musicianship games, technique practice and lots of singing repertoire, as well as breaks for snacks and socialising. Young singers will explore  a variety of music skills including harmony singing, notation, and more through fun games and activities! Members will have regular chances to perform weekly in sessions, and we’ll also be looking for exciting local performance and collaboration projects. musiccentres@kent-music.com

Folkestone Academy
Wrender
29 Apr, 2023
Saturday
3:00 pm
5:00 pm

Wrender

Fred Baxter live at the Tasting Rooms!

The Lighthouse Champagne Bar
Gala Military Concert
29 Apr, 2023
Saturday
6:00 pm
9:00 pm

Gala Military Concert

The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Band, supported by The Military Wives Choir are putting on this concert in aid of The Soldiers Charity.

Tower Theatre
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Music in May 2023 (1st - 31st May)

International Workers’ Day Party
01 May, 2023
Monday
12:00 pm
8:00 pm

International Workers’ Day Party

International Workers’ Day Celebration – Fundraiser for striking workers. Live Music from Neil Bob Herd and Dumb Little Country Boy

Bar Invicta
Kuschty Rye
01 May, 2023
Monday
3:00 pm
5:00 pm

Kuschty Rye

Celebrate the start of Music in May with Kuschty Rye outside at the Lighthouse Champagne Bar!

The Tasting Rooms
A Pretty Crap Afternoon
01 May, 2023
Monday
3:00 pm
4:45 pm

A Pretty Crap Afternoon

Pretty Crap are a local, ALL FEMALE band who will be performing some classic, easygoing rock hits from the 70s to the 20s. Find us halfway down the harbour arm and enjoy some laid back grooves.

Folkestone Harbour Arm
Toby Connor Live at the Tasting Rooms!
01 May, 2023
Monday
7:00 pm
10:00 pm

Toby Connor Live at the Tasting Rooms!

Catch the fantastic Toby Conner for a late night special event at the Lighthouse Tasting Rooms. See in the start of Music in May in style! The renowned artist Toby Connor will be stopping with us on the second half of his European Tour! Toby has performed with the likes of Paolo Nutini, in bands The Paris Riots, Volts & Skycats, & played festivals from Glastonbury to Primavera! Not to be missed! FREE ENTRY

The Tasting Rooms
SHOWTIME CHOIR
02 May, 2023
Tuesday
7:30 pm
9:30 pm

SHOWTIME CHOIR

Every Tuesday 7:30 – 9:30

Harvey Grammar School
ROCK CHOIR
02 May, 2023
Tuesday
7:30 pm
9:00 pm

ROCK CHOIR

Every Tuesday (In Term Time)
7.30pm – 9pm

Folkestone School For Girls
Shepway Primary Singers
03 May, 2023
Wednesday
4:30 pm
5:45 pm

Shepway Primary Singers

Every Wednesday (In term time)
4.30pm – 5.45pm

Wood Avenue Library
Shepway Youth Voices
03 May, 2023
Wednesday
6:00 pm
7:15 pm

Shepway Youth Voices

Every Wednesday (In term time)
6pm – 7.15pm

Wood Avenue Library
CONTROLLED VOLTAGE – Electronic Music Open Mic
03 May, 2023
Wednesday
7:00 pm
11:00 pm

CONTROLLED VOLTAGE – Electronic Music Open Mic

A night made for all makers of electronic music to showcase what they are producing! CONTROLLED VOLTAGE – Kents ONLY electronic music open mic night provides a grrrrreat PA & desk, fully manned, tweaked and monitored as needed.
Bring your laptop, your synths, homemade modular pieces, strung instruments, drums, vocals…anything that you work with & treat with electronics to get your own sound and we’ll make it heard! Completely free to attend, so be part of this strong & growing community of producers & players!
Come add your voice.
“The Chambers is a grassroots music venue established in 1998 & is recognised as ‘culturally relevant’ by Arts Council England. We bring you local & international musical talent every week alongside art events, exhibitions & some of the worlds great Dj names. We try to present music that gives you memories x Come see something real & live in your hometown today” #folkestonemusictown #mvt #acesupported

The Chambers
Shepway Choirs
03 May, 2023
Wednesday
7:30 pm
9:30 pm

Shepway Choirs

Every Wednesday
7.30pm – 9.30pm

Folkestone Baptist Centre
MELODY MAKERS COLLECTIVE
04 May, 2023
Thursday
10:30 am
12:00 pm

MELODY MAKERS COLLECTIVE

Every Thursday
10:30am to 12:00pm

St Joseph’s Social Hall
FOLKLORE LIVE: Autumn Willow & Simon Scott
04 May, 2023
Thursday
7:00 pm
11:00 pm

FOLKLORE LIVE: Autumn Willow & Simon Scott

Join Autumn Willow as she takes you on a journey of neurodivergent acoustic folk-ish music accompanied by Mike Keen on bass followed by Simon Scott who is a solo artist who writes and performs real honest music from the heart

Folklore
The Searchers
04 May, 2023
Thursday
7:30 pm
10:00 pm

The Searchers

When The Searchers announced the end of their touring years in 2018, they left behind them a legion of devoted fans and supporters who were shocked and saddened that they would no longer be able to enjoy the concerts and the music that over six decades had become such an important part of their lives.

Leas Cliff Hall
Folke Around
04 May, 2023
Thursday
8:00 pm
10:00 pm

Folke Around

Acoustic Country, Folk & Americana Singaround Session

Home Taproom
COLOSSAL SQUID Live @ The Chambers
04 May, 2023
Thursday
8:00 pm
11:00 pm

COLOSSAL SQUID Live @ The Chambers

COLOSSAL SQUID Live @ The Chambers in Folkestone
This is a gig that The Chambers has been thirsting to host for some time now and finally we’re stoked to be able to present it out to you…
COLOSSAL SQUID
Colossal Squid is the solo brainchild of drumming prodigy Adam Betts (Three Trapped Tigers – The Heritage Orchestra), showcasing his phenomenal skills in acoustic & electronic percussion alongside his impressively considerable compositional & scoring abilities.
Colossal Squid will be supported by Folkestone’s very own ‘CONTROLLED VOLTAGE’.
The ‘Controlled Voltage’ duo of Glen Orpheus & Maff have been composing and producing for two decades in and outside the area with countless collaborations and production credits.
They also host Kents ONLY ‘Night of Electronic Music’ every 1st Wed’s at The Chambers in Folkestone, which showcases home studio and electronic music of all genres and boasts huge local response and support.
This night is a much anticipated event and brings yet another recognised and respected member of the international music community to a small grassroots music venue in Folkestone, that has endured the battles of lockdown with a determination to come back stronger and better.

The Chambers
The Speedway Rockin’ Roustabout
05 May, 2023
Friday
7:00 pm
11:00 pm

The Speedway Rockin’ Roustabout

A Rockin’ Retro Fairground Themed Rock & Roll Extravaganza featuring live music from three bands. Come and soak up a funfair vibe, sitting in a Ghost train carriage, Waltzer or Dodgem whilst listening to the delights of internationally famous lo-brow Artist Vince Ray, bringing us some dirty low down rock & roll tunes. Local Neo Rockabilly band The Defiant Ones bring us their fast trashy rockabilly tunes, and local legend Steve Boltz hosts the night bringing us some great tales and music from his band Dead Man’s Corner. Expect Thrills, Chills & Dancing with this fun Retro Rockin night

Speedway
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MUSIC IN MAY 2023 - PARTICIPATING VENUES

The Chambers

The Chambers

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Leas Cliff Hall

Leas Cliff Hall

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Eleto Chocolate Café

Eleto Chocolate Cafe

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Home Taproom

Home Taproom

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Quarterhouse

The Quarterhouse

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Folklore

Folklore

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Dover Road Social Club

Dover Road Social Club

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Lighthouse Champagne Bar

Lighthouse Champagne Bar

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The Tower Theatre

The Tower Theatre

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Seaview Studio

Seaview Studio

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St Eanswythe/St Mary's Church

St Eanswythe & St Mary's Church

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Trinity Church

Trinity Church

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20th Century Speedway

20th Century Speedway

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The Royal George

The Royal George

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Party Bar

Party Bar

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The Chambers

Radnor Chambers, Cheriton Place, CT20 2BB

Upcoming events

Wednesday January 10
Wednesday February 14
Wednesday March 13
Wednesday April 10
Wednesday May 8
Wednesday June 12
No event found!

Leas Cliff Hall

The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2DZ

Upcoming events

Saturday January 20
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Calling Planet Earth
Wednesday January 24
8:00 am Wet Wet Wet
Saturday February 3
Saturday February 10
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Meat Loaf by Candlelight
Tuesday February 13
7:00 pm The Vaccines
Saturday February 17
No event found!

Eleto Chocolate Cafe

12-14 Rendezvous St, CT20 1EZ

Upcoming events

No event found!

Home Taproom

61 Tontine St, CT20 1JR

Upcoming events

No event found!

Quarterhouse

49 Tontine St, CT20 1JT

Upcoming events

No event found!

Folklore

69 The Old High Street,CT20 1RN

Upcoming events

No event found!

Dover Road Social Club

Dover Road, CT20 1LA

Upcoming events

No event found!

Seaview Studio

Seaview House, Dover Rd, CT19 6NJ

Upcoming events

No event found!

Speedway

St Eanswythe Way, Folkestone CT20 1BP

Upcoming events

Saturday January 20
7:30 pm - 11:30 pm Swansea Sound
No event found!

Party Bar

2-8 Tontine St, CT20 1JU

Upcoming events

No event found!
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