Lifeline for live music

Infrared By Sally Anne Low Photograpy

STRIKING A NOTE OF OPTIMISM FOR OUR LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

Paul Dunton

Music Editor

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ith the Covid 19 situation constantly changing and evolving, the live music industry continues W rear of the building. These ticketed shows have all had a great atmosphere and have been very well organised with all the social distancing measures adhered to. The events are all seated and all ticket to face an uphill battle. For venues small holders are effectively on their own table and large it is very difficult - and in most or bubble with the option to buy small or cases practically impossible - to host large size tables. Despite challenging indoor live music. weather at times, these events have

As we now find ourselves in October been a great success for all concerned the prospect of putting on and very welcome income for the regular outdoor live music musicians, sound is fading very quickly with technicians and the autumn setting in. To the best of my knowledge there is very little live music “There is now one ray of light venue itself. For the autumn period, the plan for Trinity happening in Kent and that has emerged Theatre going forward is Sussex at the moment – a sad reality that is in fact reflected right across the UK. in recent times for local musicians to continue with these regular live music events, staging them indoors in the

From a Tunbridge Wells and music lovers” auditorium incorporating a standpoint, there is however similar seating plan to the one ray of light that has outdoor shows. Please emerged in recent times for visit www.trinitytheatre.net to musicians and music lovers find out more information. and that’s the combined efforts of Trinity Like many other venues, The Tunbridge Theatre and The Assembly Hall Theatre Wells Forum has had to close for the to stage regular live music. remainder of 2020. But a recent

From early August, Trinity Theatre has development has seen a very welcome been running weekly outdoor live music coalition with The Assembly Hall Theatre events in their gardens situated to the which has led to a new run of shows entitled ‘Forum Nights’ which will be held in the Assembly Hall auditorium.

These regular showcases will be ticket only and feature an array of well-known local and regional bands. They are set to run weekly through October and November with the potential to run into December.

They will be all seated and come with a limited capacity, but for the bands involved as well as The Forum and The Assembly Hall it is very welcome news in these troubled times.

Just some of the renowned local acts that will be getting involved include, Suncharmer, Infrared, Sorrel Nation, The Charlie Rivers Band, Mike Wilton, The

Violet Jive and many more.

It is fantastic to see local venues working together to help keep the cogs turning for our cherished local music scene. Everyone’s fingers are well and truly crossed that Covid 19 will soon be a distant memory and we can all get back to some sort of normality soon.

To find out more about the ‘Forum Nights’ shows including confirmed dates, line ups and tickets please visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk and www.twforum.co.uk

Mike Wilton By Abigail Harris Photography

STRIKING A NOTE OF OPTIMISM

MUSIC SCENE

Suncharmer By Abigail Harris Photography

Last month The Forum, Tunbridge Wells’ treasured independent music venue, announced that it will not be re-opening until next year but, as Paul Dunton explains, there are plans for it to now host evenings at the Assembly Hall

Charlie Rivers