Folkestone Music in May Festival 2024

1st - 31st May 2024

Music in May 2024 is already shaping up to be bigger and better than last year's festival!

Over 150 events // 25 venues // 120 artists // 23 Free Music Workshops... And much, much more!

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

Quick
Links

Opening Party

Sunday 5th May
Quarterhouse
4-6PM

Closing Party

Friday 31st May
Quarterhouse
7-11PM

FREE Workshops

23 FREE Music Education Workshops throughout May!

Music in May 2024 (1st - 31st May)

Controlled Voltage EMOM part 4 2024
01 May, 2024
Wednesday
7:30 pm
10:30 pm

Controlled Voltage EMOM part 4 2024

Seeking all genres of electronic music including : Dance, Ambient, Synthpop, Drone, experimental, Chiptune, Techno, House Hip Hop, Electro etc. Get out of the home studio and into the light of a listening and appreciative audience. Synthesisers, Drum Machines, Modular, Loop stations, Groove boxes,Laptops, Sequencers, Analogue and Digital devices of all kinds welcome. Even accompanying Vocalists, Guitar players etc. Mixing Desk and on site Audio Engineer to help you get setup in no time. Fully licenced Bar to celebrate at, and Dancefloor should you feel the need. Warning : may contain flashy lights and lasers First Wednesday of every month. Starts at 7pm. Sign up on the night, so get here early to avoid disappointment. Hosted by : Controlled Voltage (Glen Orpheus & Maff Parry)

The Chambers
Karaoke – Skuba’s Music in May Opening Party!
01 May, 2024
Wednesday
8:30 pm
12:00 am

Karaoke – Skuba’s Music in May Opening Party!

Join us for our grand opening party for Folkestone Music Town’s Music In May Festival! 🎉 Get ready to dive into a month-long celebration of music like never before. Music in May kicks off with a bang at Skuba’s Karaoke opening party. This event marks the beginning of an exhilarating journey through a plethora of musical experiences. Throughout May, immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of gigs, lessons, workshops, and collaborations designed to ignite your passion for music. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, an aspiring artist, or simply a lover of good tunes, there’s something for everyone at Music in May. From electrifying performances to insightful workshops, each day promises a new and exciting adventure. Be sure to visit the full gig guide at www.folkestonemusic.co.uk/gig-guide to stay updated on the latest happenings and plan your musical odyssey. Don’t miss out on the excitement! Join us at Skuba’s Karaoke MIM opening party and let the rhythm of Folkestone Music Town sweep you off your feet. 🎶✨ 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.

Skuba
Folkestone First Timers LIVE
02 May, 2024
Thursday
7:00 pm
11:00 pm

Folkestone First Timers LIVE

Folkestone First Timers is proud to announce our 3rd FFT LIVE event where new acts and bands perform live, many for the first time. We are very excited to be part of Music in May 2024. We will have an exciting line-up of bands performing both covers and originals. Like all our events this will be brilliant fun.

The Music Workshop
ROB QUO DUO Live @ The Chambers
02 May, 2024
Thursday
8:00 pm
10:30 pm

ROB QUO DUO Live @ The Chambers

First time in Folkestone for this contemporary folk/blues performer and righ at the start of the towns ‘MUSIC IN MAY’ programme too! Rob Quo is a prolific London-based singer/songwriter; who has that rare quality of being emotive & humorous in equal measure. His songs touch on the human experience with lyrical grace, and a melodic simplicity which is uniquely his own. His vocal tone is the equivalent of taking the best smooth Belgian chocolate and hiding a tiny little chilli inside that hits you with a real surprise and takes you somewhere you completely weren’t expecting…like velvet tones with gravel hiding round corners…he has a superb voice! Very excited to have Rob and his double bassist Sam Crooke down to entertain you with this free gig! Come see something really lovely for free in the middle of your home town at the start of the towns own month long music festival! #musicinmay #folkestonemusictown “The Chambers is Folkestone’s oldest established ‘Grass Root Music Venue’ now in it’s 25th year. If you like ‘The Cavern’…you’ll like us! We host regional, national & international artistes, DJ, art & events in an all inclusive award winning bar, eatery & venue with a great sound system. We’ve been supported through lock down by by Arts Council England, who consider us ‘Culturally Significant’… ♥”

The Chambers
Lucy May Walker Live! at Tofts Cafe Bar
03 May, 2024
Friday
6:00 pm
8:30 pm

Lucy May Walker Live! at Tofts Cafe Bar

Lucy is taking Folkestone by storm and now a local resident she is gracing the mic at Tofts Cafe Bar for Music in May. Lucy has been performing professionally for the past 8 years, ranging from cover gigs in pubs, restaurants, private events as well as releasing original music (Radio 2, BBC 6 Music). Lucy has previously played the Leas Cliff Hall twice before supporting Wet Wet Wet and Tony Hadley. Come and enjoy great food, drinks and live entertainment at Tofts.

Tofts Cafe Bar
Tansy Davies and James Fisher
03 May, 2024
Friday
7:00 pm
9:00 pm

Tansy Davies and James Fisher

Folkestone New Music presents an exciting evening where Tansy Davies (composer) and James Fisher (artist) discuss their work in progress with John Woolrich (composer), accompanied by audio visuals. We’ll then be treated to a solo set by Tansy from 8.30pm accompanied by James Fisher’s video projections. Borne out of a fascination with nature and shamanism, and a grinding rhythmic energy, the music of Tansy Davies has been described as both ‘ sleek, hot, earthy’ and ‘transparent, brazenly beautiful’. Her music is championed by ensembles including New York Philharmonic, Ensemble Intercontemporain, and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, and at festivals including Ultima, Présences, Donuaueschinger Musiktage, and Warsaw Autumn. Between Worlds, an operatic response to 9/11, was premiered by English National Opera in 2015, and in 2018 her chamber opera Cave was premiered with Mark Padmore, Elaine Mitchener, and London Sinfonietta. She has taught composition at both Royal Academy of Music, London, and at the Bloomington School of Music, Indiana. Recent projects include Nightingales: Ultra-Deep Field for Arditti Quartet, Monolith: I Extend My Arms, for the strings of Britten Sinfonia, and a residency at Concertgebouw Amsterdam culminating in the ensemble piece Soul Canoe.

The Green Room
Sam Dunn & Nina Clark
03 May, 2024
Friday
7:00 pm
10:00 pm

Sam Dunn & Nina Clark

Sunset session- 3 course meal, welcome drink and live music £27.50 per person. Booking essential. Brilliant duo Sam Dunn & Nina Clark join us once again to give another vivacious and exciting performance on the Tasting Rooms stage. Sam Dunn is a world-class jazz guitarist, a regular on Ronnie Scott’s roster, and Grammy Nominee Judy Carmichael’s favourite accompanist. Dunn has performed at the Royal Albert Hall and toured the world playing music. Nina Clark is a musical activist, minstrel and singer-songwriter. Nina’s work has been performed by Grammy Award Winner Kurt Elling, and has performed in the UK, Dubai, Germany, New Zealand and the US.

The Tasting Rooms
Fire Pony + Pleistocene Megafauna + The Bearing. FREE ENTRY.
03 May, 2024
Friday
7:00 pm
1:00 am

Fire Pony + Pleistocene Megafauna + The Bearing. FREE ENTRY.

Fire Pony’s maximal instrumental rock blends perfectly with local contemporary progressive act The Bearing, and DJ+electronica duo Pleistocene Megafauna ending the night. An energetic and creative night that ends on the dance floor, live at The Chambers. Oh, and it’s free entry!

The Chambers
John Lydon – I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right
03 May, 2024
Friday
7:30 pm

John Lydon – I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right

He’s a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten – changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution. The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good.

Leas Cliff Hall
Knowwhere – Quarterhouse Lates
03 May, 2024
Friday
8:00 pm
1:00 am

Knowwhere – Quarterhouse Lates

Anthony Dean Ant’s love for Dance music started in 1992 after the legendary rave scene evolved in to clubs. Cutting his teeth on clubs like Madisons and the Manor based in Bournemouth, listening to DJ’s like Sasha, Digweed and residents Jon Langford and Chris b. He started mixing in 1994 and spent over £100 a week buying vinyl, so has a massive collection. It wasn’t long before he was playing the music he loved in clubs such as Heaven and The Fridge in London, Ibiza, Israel and the rest of the world. He ran a successful night in London called Knowwhere as well as having played a part in brining the famous CD brand Euphoria to night clubs up and down the country. Ian Betts Over the past 20 years Ian Betts has regularly played at some of the UK’s biggest and most influential clubs including The Gallery at Turnmills, The Cross and Pacha. Ian has also played at SW4 event on Clapham Common alongside Sasha, Eric Morillo and Tall Paul. Ian’s fan base extends across the UK and as far a field as Australia, Thailand, New Zealand, USA, Germany, Slovenia, Holland, South Africa and Spain. Last year he joined the likes of Oakenfold, PVD and Tiesto when he played the main room at Amnesia for Cream in Ibiza. Quarterhouse Lates is our new, regular Friday night of dancing and good times in The Clearing at Quarterhouse. Your weekly fix of good times and dancing until 1am. Down in the very heart of Folkestone’s Creative Quarter, our venue is the perfect place for dancing and good times all night long. You will find us on Tontine Street, head to the side entrance of Quarterhouse and head up to our bar. This event is free entry and strictly 18+.

Quarterhouse
Confidence and Stage Presence Free Workshop For Singers, Speakers and Performers – Sarah Quist – Seaview Studio
04 May, 2024
Saturday
12:00 pm
2:00 pm

Confidence and Stage Presence Free Workshop For Singers, Speakers and Performers – Sarah Quist – Seaview Studio

Confidence and Stage Presence Workshop For Singers, Speakers and Performers – Sarah Quist – Seaview Studio Saturday, 4 May 2024⋅12:00 – 2:00pm Master the stage, build your confidence and rock that show or presentation. Sarah Quist, a seasoned performer, honed her skills singing with legends in London’s iconic venues, captivating global audiences with her versatile voice in Jazz, Blues, and Soul. Beyond music, Sarah contributed to albums and collaborated with soul legend Willie Mitchell in Memphis. As a band leader, she led groups like ‘Indian Spring’ and ‘The Sarah Quist Quartet,’ showcasing both covers and originals. Trained at RADA, Sarah’s acting career includes collaborations with esteemed companies and actors like Vanessa Redgrave and Alan Cumming. Notably, she recently starred in “King Lear” and is currently in Tom Stoppard’s “Travesties.” She’s also recognized for roles in “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” “Eastenders,” “The Sandman,” “Doctors,” and various other well known TV shows and broadcasts. In addition to her roles as a singer/songwriter and actress, Sarah is a Co-Founder of Creative Awakenings, using the arts to boost confidence, communication, and social skills in schools and communities. Sarah will guide workshop participants to master their skills and reach maximum potential with full confidence and delivery. Register your free place – Spaces are limited

Seaview Studio
Dita’s Big Drag Brunch
04 May, 2024
Saturday
12:00 pm

Dita’s Big Drag Brunch

Punk & Plume presents “Dita’s Big Drag Brunch” at Space Bar & Kitchen, hosted by Dita Garbo. Prosecco on arrival 2.5 Hours of entertainment and music (This month music theme is DISCO) 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails (alcoholic or non alcoholic) Choice of handmade pizza & dessert Games, Competitions, Performances & more 10 Mins from Folkestone Central

Space Bar & Kitchen
Singing for The Soul Free Workshop – Randolph Matthews – Seaview Studio
04 May, 2024
Saturday
3:00 pm
5:00 pm

Singing for The Soul Free Workshop – Randolph Matthews – Seaview Studio

Singing for The Soul Workshop – Randolph Matthews – Seaview Studio Saturday, 4 May 2024⋅3:00 – 5:00pm Critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer Randolph Matthews will touch your soul in this inspiring workshop. Do you love singing and relish the magic of harmonizing with others? Find the power of your voice and rejuvenate your spirit. Explore a diverse repertoire, from timeless classics to contemporary gems, enriching your musical palette. Engage in expressive movement and breathwork to amplify your well-being. Enrich your life through music. Inspired by his belief that the power of the human voice changes people lives and the world in incredible ways nominated Jazz fm “Best live performance 2018” Randolph Matthews is described by Jazz FM as “Flawless and world class.” Performing and recording unaccompanied or with his band Randolph’s vocal performances spans over two decades where he has collaborated with artist from both the jazz ,blues and contemporary music scene such as Mulatu Atstake, Casey Benjamin (Robert Glasper Experience) and openings for Richard Bona (Pat Metheny) and grammy award winner Jazz legend Herbie Hancock.He has also graced the Royal courts of Buckingham palace to perform for Queen Elizabeth II. Randolph’s show is a international mix of original recordings, reworks, audience interactions in twinned with life stories which he tells with emotive humour. Register your free place – Spaces are limited

Seaview Studio
Rachel Jenkins
04 May, 2024
Saturday
3:00 pm
5:00 pm

Rachel Jenkins

Jenkins is influenced by a wealth of jazz greats including Betty Carter, Chet Baker, Lester Young and John Coltrane. With other important musical influences such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Joni Mitchell, Eva Cassidy, Elton John, Roberta Flack, Joan Armatrading, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Jenkins has been performing live and recording in studios for more than 20 years, and has sung in many renowned, prestigious venues such as Claridges, The Ivy, London Hilton, The Hampton Court Flower Show, and the Vortex Jazz Bar.

The Tasting Rooms
Folkestone Early Music
04 May, 2024
Saturday
7:00 pm

Folkestone Early Music

The debut concert of Folkestone’s own period instrument group, the Folkestone Baroque Ensemble, will take place in the Green Room at the Grand on May 4th! This concert will mark the revival of Folkestone Early Music, an organisation dedicated to bringing quality Baroque music concerts to the good people of Folkestone. Further details, as well as announcements about more concerts to come by the Folkestone Baroque Ensemble and visiting artists will be posted later. If you wish to join our mailing list, please contact femusic2024@gmail.com

The Green Room
Load More

FREE MUSIC WORKSHOPS

In addition to our stellar lineup of gigs, we will be providing 23 FREE educational workshops throughout the month of May, covering a wide range of topics, from songwriting and production, to confidence and social media!

Check out our dedicated Workshops page for more information. Please note that all workshops have limited spaces available – Please register quickly to avoid disappointment.

Skip to content