BANDSTAND PROGRAMME OLD COPY

Bandstand events 2021:
Welcome to music at the Folkestone Bandstand. Every Saturday and Sunday starting 3rd July 2021.
On Saturdays from 2:30-5pm we are working with Chris Smith of the Chambers Cafe Bar to present a variety of live music, entertainment, workshops and dancing from local groups as part of the STAND BY YOUR BANDS Project.
On Sundays enjoy traditional bandstand entertainment including brass, silver, wind and concert bands. Relax in one of the deck chairs while enjoying the music this Summer season.
Arranged for you by Folkestone Festivals with support from Folkestone and Hythe District Council. 
JULY 4th- THE DUKES OF SWING BAND

Really looking forward to welcoming back by popular request BEN LOCK DUKE OF SWINGS – FOUR PIECE SWING BAND & JAZZ DUO.Deckchairs and a safe environment will be provided for our regular audience and hopefully of course many new ones. Bring a picnic and settle down to a great afternoon of fantastic entertainment. Don’t miss it! Be there! And listen to The Dukes of Swing play a great selection of tracks from the 40’s and 50’s, made famous by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Sammie Davis Junior, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett (and more recently Michael Buble, Robbie Williams and Jamie Cullum). They are fronted by Benjamin Lock; a charismatic and smooth sounding jazz singer from Kent with experience of performing all over the UK at top venues and clubs. The line-up also consists of the hugely talented Chris Kennedy on Piano, Darren Reynolds on Double Bass and Mark Stitson on Drums. Our repertoire consists of popular swing/jazz songs both old and new including: Fly Me To The Moon, Come Fly With Me, Mondance, I Get a Kick Out of You, Mr Bojangles, Mack The Knife, Moonlight in Vermont, What a Difference a Day Makes, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, King of the Swingers, Have You Met Miss Jones, Cry Me a River, Straighten Up and Fly Right, The Way You Look Tonight, Beyond The Sea, Girl From Ipenema, Yes Sir That’s my Baby, The Lady is a Tramp, Night and Day and Hit the Road Jack… just to name a few!

JULY 10TH- THE CHILLBILLIES
The Chillbillies put their own twist on covers of an eclectic mix of classic tunes, made up of a very versatile 4 piece rhythm section, with high energy vocals and featuring the infamous ‘Raging Horns’™. You’ll be amazed, amused, astounded!
JULY 11TH- THE ASHFORD CONCERT BAND
We are a local community band for adults and our aim is to enjoy making music as well as raising money for charity. We are a friendly group and new members are always welcome. You will need to be able to read music and have a level of proficiency on your instrument to enable you to get the most out of the music and the experience within the band.
JULY 17TH- FOLKESTONE PRIDE PICNIC
Music, performances, Drag Story Time and more. Live entertainment in partnership with Folkestone Festivals and The Chambers.
JULY 18TH- FAVERSHAM MISSION BRASS BAND
We are a local community band for adults and our aim is to enjoy making music as well as raising money for charity. We are a friendly group and new members are always welcome. You will need to be able to read music and have a level of proficiency on your instrument to enable you to get the most out of the music and the experience within the band.
JULY 24TH- RONNIE SCOTT’S REJECTS
Ronnie Scott’s Rejects are a swing, jazz and soul party band based in London. The band’s jazz repertoire explores music from the 30s and 40s made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Billy Holiday, Etta James, Nat Cole, Frank Sinatra and Louis Jordan. The danceable party repertoire spans from 60s Motown and soul, 70s and 80s party songs to current day anthems.The band has released a swing/jazz album under the name ‘The Rag And Bone Club’ which features original jazz compositions along with original takes on old classics.
JULY 25TH- HYTHE TOWN CONCERT BAND
The HTCB has been established on Kent’s South Coast for over 135 years. It prides itself as being a community band contributing to many local events, civil functions and services. This is further endorsed by having the Admiral of the Fleet, The Lord Boyce, Warden of the Cinque Ports, as our patron. We have close and regular links with our twin towns of Poperingue in Belgium and Berck-sur-Mer in France and have recently played at the famous Menin Gate war memorial in Ypres, Belgium.
JULY 31ST- CHARIVARI MUSIC AND PICNIC
With live music provided by The Chambers from THE NATIVE OYSTERS BAND and SAMBO PELO MAR with summer DJ sounds from LOVE IS THE MESSAGE. Bring a picnic, enjoy the music and family craft activities.
AUGUST 1ST- BIRCHINGTON SILVER BAND
Records show that a brass band existed in Birchington as far back as 1934. A photograph which was taken in Crescent Road Birchington shows a band of at least twelve musicians then. Four brothers (the Hayward Brothers) arrived from Wales and immediately helped to form a brass band in the village. A loan was secured from a wealthy local businessman to provide cash to purchase some instruments. At this time it was known as the Baptist Band.
AUGUST 7TH/8TH- FOLKESTONE FESTIVALS MUSIC WEEKEND AND AIR DISPLAY
AUGUST 14TH- THE LUCKY 13S

Powerful, soulful & uplifting – The Lucky 13s originate from the South East of England. Formed in 2019 they set out to create and perform original music that was swamped in soul and that melds vintage rhythm and blues with modern day story telling. The band features frontman Jamie Johnson’s compelling, gravely, & symphonious vocals over an effortlessly deep pocket, melodic and exciting guitar work from award winning guitarist & composer Dudley Ross and energetic and catchy lines from The Lucky 13s horn section.  The Lucky 13s draws inspiration from the musical roots of decades prior while sounding undeniably relevant today and captivate audiences with brand new music to complement their vibrant & exciting live shows and solidify their reputation as one of the most engaging and exciting acts on the road today. In March 2019 they released their four track EP ‘Breathe’, which was recorded live at Rimshot Studios and well received by fans and critics alike. Now signed to Hillside Global, The Lucky 13s will be releasing a 13 track album in 2021, which promises to be full of catchy, thought provoking and well crafted songs.

AUGUST 15TH- SECOND WIND CONCERT BAND

Second Wind is a concert band of enthusiastic amateur players of wind instruments, mostly those that are commonly heard in military bands (typically Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium and Tuba) supported by drums and other percussion. We get together most weeks of the year under the baton of our music director Martin Forward, to rehearse and prepare for concerts and just to enjoy playing music in the great variety of styles available to bands such as ours. Concert venues include public bandstands, like Eastbourne and summer Fetes and Festivals. See our Diary for details.

AUGUST 21ST- TICKLING THE PICKLE

Powerful, soulful & uplifting – The Lucky 13s originate from the South East of England. Formed in 2019 they set out to create and perform original music that was swamped in soul and that melds vintage rhythm and blues with modern day story telling.  The band features frontman Jamie Johnson’s compelling, gravely, & symphonious vocals over an effortlessly deep pocket, melodic and exciting guitar work from award winning guitarist & composer Dudley Ross and energetic and catchy lines from The Lucky 13s horn section.  The Lucky 13s draws inspiration from the musical roots of decades prior while sounding undeniably relevant today and captivate audiences with brand new music to complement their vibrant & exciting live shows and solidify their reputation as one of the most engaging and exciting acts on the road today. In March 2019 they released their four track EP ‘Breathe’, which was recorded live at Rimshot Studios and well received by fans and critics alike. Now signed to Hillside Global, The Lucky 13s will be releasing a 13 track album in 2021, which promises to be full of catchy, thought provoking and well crafted songs.

AUGUST 22ND- SEVENOAKS AND TONBRIDGE CONCERT BAND
The Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band is a symphonic wind band based in Sevenoaks, Kent, but with its players drawn from a wide area. With a busy schedule of performances at different venues across the region, our repertoire ranges from original works for wind ensemble to arrangements of orchestral pieces, military band items and light music of various styles. Our Training Band offers an opportunity for less experienced players to develop their skills.
AUGUST 28TH- KATIE BRADLEY BAND

Kent singer-songwriter Katie Bradley came into the spotlight with her 2012 iTunes Blues hit “I hear the river” which received a nomination for Best original song in the British Blues Awards, which came from her debut album “She’s Ready”. Katie continues to ascend celebrating a highly acclaimed career supporting and collaborating with artists across the world formerly Luther AllisonSuzanne Vega and most recently Rhythm and Blues greats: Lucky PetersonTaildragger, Georgie Fame, Geno Washington to mention a few. In 2015, Katie completed a 22 date UK Tour with US Blues Guitar ace Kirk Fletcher (Fabulous Thunderbirds, Charlie Musselwhite, Joe Bonamassa Muddy Wolf Band and more)

AUGUST 29TH- DEAL BRASS ACADEMY

Deal Brass Academy began as an independent band in 2013. We are a local band for young and old alike, dedicated to encouraging and training young musicians in the playing of brass instruments, maintaining the strong traditions of Brass Band Music which were an important part of the social life of the Kent collieries. We give between 6 and 10 performances every year, and have played at Folkestone Bandstand in 2017 and 2018. We raise funds for local charities each year by accompanying carol singing in the open air in Christmas week.  We are proud to be affiliated to both the Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club, who allow us to use the clubhouse for our rehearsals, and to the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, where we have played for their Beer Festival and at the opening of the Lord Warden Suite in the presence of the Admiral The Lord Boyce. We play each year for the Royal Marines Band Service memorial game at the rugby club. Our band has members from 10 years to  – older than we care to reveal!  New members, of any age, are always welcome.

SEPTEMBER 4TH- HULLABALOO
With a blend of jazz, jive, rock n roll, swing, and an original twist on pop, Hullabaloo are an ideal band for any occasion.Made up of double bass, saxophone, guitar, and drums. Their versatility allows them to adapt a vast array of songs to venues of any size. From family parties to summer festivals, and weddings to wild corporate functions, Hullabaloo are sure to get the crowd going.
SEPTEMBER 5TH- THE CITY OF CANTERBURY BAND
Historically, there was a Canterbury Silver Band which was disbanded in the War years. The present Brass Band was formed in 1969 and some of the original members still play with the band now. The members of the band come from all walks of life and are of a great range in ages. Many of the players travel great distances to rehearsals. The band prides itself in being a most welcoming, friendly and dedicated organisation that provides entertaining music for its listeners. The players enjoy performing on a very regular basis in the South East. The band has wound thirty engagements this year, which include formal concerts, playing at bandstands, performing at fetes, providing music for church services and supporting local charities. The band has also recently produced a CD joint with a local choir and is presently looking into producing another recording of its own music.
SEPTEMBER 11TH- KING SIZE SLIM BAND
In 2005 Toby Barelli aka KING SIZE SLIM began experimenting with a new sound. A sound fully conscious of its roots but with a new story to tell. Having spent the previous 4 years touring and recording with TwoTone pioneers ‘The Selecter’ along with other Ska and Reggae luminaries, the sound was always going to be rhythm led, heavy on the bass and rootsy in the melody. The trademarks of that sound emanate from a road-beaten Resophonic guitar, a powerful and direct vocal style and a peculiar rhythm section of Double Bass and a duo of Percussionists.  It‘s a heavyweight acoustic sound that shouts loud and kisses sweet.  
SEPTEMBER 18TH- THE DEFIANT ONES
SEPTEMBER 25TH- PHENOMENAL CAT
A band who have remained together for over a decade and know how to put on an amazing performance.
FOLKESTONE FESTIVALS SCHEDULE 2020:
MAY 24TH – BRACKNELL & WOKINGHAM COMMUNITY BAND

Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band (BWCB) provides a musical environment in which to rekindle, retain and improve your musical skills. BWCB is made up of three wind bands, catering for a wide variety of experience. In addition, there is a range of smaller ensembles meeting regularly, for both woodwind and brass players. BWCB was founded in 2008 and now has over 120 members across three wind bands and ensembles. The bands play music from classical to contemporary, jazz to pop, including TV shows and film scores. Each band performs in a number of concerts throughout the year.

MAY 31ST – EAST PECKHAM SILVER BAND

First formed in 1895 we have a long and successful history and can boast the title of the oldest surviving Village band in Kent. The band can be seen at a range of events and venues across the South East and are available for Concert Performances, weddings and community events.

JUNE 6TH (Saturday) – FOLKESTONE COMMUNITY SWING BAND

Folkestone Community Swing Band is a group of enthusiastic musicians from intermediate to a professional level, who are united by their love of big band music and an enjoyment of playing together for audiences across Kent. They are a registered charity who keeps giving. In the spring of 2017, a small group of musicians with a range of experience were gathered together for the first time in Folkestone by Bandleader: Keith Davis. The goal was to create a band that was as fun to be a part of as it was good to listen to.
United by a love of swing and big band music, that small gathering gradually added to it’s numbers and its repertoire and now performs in and around Folkestone & Hythe and further raising vital funds for local charities.

JUNE 7TH – ASHFORD CONCERT BAND

We are a local community band for adults and our aim is to enjoy making music as well as raising money for charity. We are a friendly group and new members are always welcome. You will need to be able to read music and have a level of proficiency on your instrument to enable you to get the most out of the music and the experience within the band.

JUNE 14TH – HYTHE TOWN CONCERT BAND

The HTCB has been established on Kent’s South Coast for over 135 years. It prides itself as being a community band contributing to many local events, civil functions and services. This is further endorsed by having the Admiral of the Fleet, The Lord Boyce, Warden of the Cinque Ports, as our patron. We have close and regular links with our twin towns of Poperingue in Belgium and Berck-sur-Mer in France and have recently played at the famous Menin Gate war memorial in Ypres, Belgium.

JUNE 20TH (Saturday) – INVICTA JAZZ ORCHESTRA 

We are The Invicta Jazz Orchestra: a friendly group of approximately 40 amateur musicians with a huge variety of ages: from GCSE students to retired! 

Our repertoire is heavily varied, ranging from Jazz Standards and the Big Band Era of the 20s to modern arrangements, such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and includes both vocal and instrumental numbers, so there is something for everyone. 

JUNE 21ST – CRYSTAL PALACE BAND 

The Crystal Palace Band is one of the very few remaining traditional brass bands in London. Founded in 1901, today the band has over 30 playing members and a thriving progress band.

JUNE 28TH – ARMED FORCES DAY

This is a large scale outdoor community fun event with a full staged entertainment programme and performances in a roped arena area with various military stands, an air display with the red arrows funfair and static vehicle displays. 

JULY 5TH – DEAL BRASS ACADEMY 

Deal Brass Academy began as an independent band in 2013. We are a local band for young and old alike, dedicated to encouraging and training young musicians in the playing of brass instruments, maintaining the strong traditions of Brass Band Music which were an important part of the social life of the Kent collieries.

We give between 6 and 10 performances every year, and have played at Folkestone Bandstand in 2017 and 2018. We raise funds for local charities each year by accompanying carol singing in the open air in Christmas week. 

We are proud to be affiliated to both the Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club, who allow us to use the clubhouse for our rehearsals, and to the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, where we have played for their Beer Festival and at the opening of the Lord Warden Suite in the presence of the Admiral The Lord Boyce. We play each year for the Royal Marines Band Service memorial game at the rugby club. Our band has members from 10 years to  – older than we care to reveal!  New members, of any age, are always welcome.

JULY 11TH (Saturday)- VINTAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

On and around the Bandstand 11am to 12.45 – The Runaways 1pm to 3pm – Folkestone Community Swing Band 3.20pm to 5.10pm The Dulcettes 5.30pm to 7.30pm – Facepainting. Punch & Judy. Vintage Amusements. Re-enactment Groups Vintage & Classic Vehicles Sing-alongs of the 20’s and 40’s Market and food stalls. Period Costume dress up competition. 1900 – 1950’s – children 5-12year olds. And much more – programme subject to weather on the day. Leas Cliff Hall Chequerboard. Dance Demonstrations/Participation: Tacky Annies Swing Dance Club Vintage Ruby songs of the 1920’s to 40’s.

JULY 12TH – UK U105KG STRONGEST MAN COMPETITION

The Strongest Man UK U105kg is organized on behalf of Folkestone Festivals by Marc Cherry of Hyperoptic, who was at the Hawkinge Festival in 2016. Twelve of the UK’s strongest men will qualify for this great final.! 

This year it will take place in the area from the bandstand towards the Leas which is ideal for this particularly the hard surface between the grass with viewing either side.

JULY 19TH – 1ST WHISTABLE SCOUT GROUP BAND

We are the Canterbury District’s longest established brass band, 2019 being our centenary year. Regular concerts are given in the local area, presenting a wide variety of popular music performed with style.  Membership is open to musicians from all areas of the local community, not exclusively to scouts

JULY 25H (Saturday)- SNOWDON COLLIERY WELFARE BAND

Snowdown Colliery Welfare Band was formed in 1926 and consisted entirely of miners from the colliery. We currently have approximately 30 members, of which three players are ex-miners. Although we do have members whose fathers were miners and played in the band. 

The Snowdown Colliery Welfare Brass Band is entirely self supporting and perform at local fetes, fairs, bandstands, concerts and is an active contesting band. It is only with the help of a hard-working committee and dedicated players, who give their services for the love of music and the thrill of performing in public, that the band continues.

JULY 26TH – INVICTA CONCERT BAND 

A traditional Concert Band playing  everything from Big Band, Waltzes, Marches, Show Selections, Overtures – in fact anything that can be described as popular music can be found in our repertoire.

AUGUST 2ND – FAVERSHAM MISSION BRASS BAND 

We are a local community band for adults and our aim is to enjoy making music as well as raising money for charity. We are a friendly group and new members are always welcome. You will need to be able to read music and have a level of proficiency on your instrument to enable you to get the most out of the music and the experience within the band.

AUGUST 9TH – BIRCHINGTON SILVER BAND

Records show that a brass band existed in Birchington as far back as 1934. A photograph which was taken in Crescent Road Birchington shows a band of at least twelve musicians then. Four brothers (the Hayward Brothers) arrived from Wales and immediately helped to form a brass band in the village. A loan was secured from a wealthy local businessman to provide cash to purchase some instruments. At this time it was known as the Baptist Band.

AUGUST 16TH – SECOND WIND CONCERT BAND

Second Wind is a concert band of enthusiastic amateur players of wind instruments, mostly those that are commonly heard in military bands (typically Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium and Tuba) supported by drums and other percussion.

We get together most weeks of the year under the baton of our music director Martin Forward, to rehearse and prepare for concerts and just to enjoy playing music in the great variety of styles available to bands such as ours. Concert venues include public bandstands, like Eastbourne and summer Fetes and Festivals. See our Diary for details.

AUGUST 23RD –SEVENOAKS & TONBRIDGE CONCERT BAND 

The Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band is a symphonic wind band based in Sevenoaks, Kent, but with its players drawn from a wide area. With a busy schedule of performances at different venues across the region, our repertoire ranges from original works for wind ensemble to arrangements of orchestral pieces, military band items and light music of various styles. Our Training Band offers an opportunity for less experienced players to develop their skills.

AUGUST 30TH -UK PAPER BAND

The UK Paper Band is currently going from strength to strength, under the leadership of musical director Mark Hinchliffe. The band plays at many engagements across Kent, in a variety of venues, from bandstands on the coast, to churches around North Kent, at summer fetes, or at our “home” in the Appleyard. We also love to journey further afield. In 2009 we travelled to Llandudno in North Wales for the weekend and in 2011 we spent a weekend in Staffordshire playing at The Churnet Valley Railway.

SEPTEMBER 6TH – CITY OF CANTERBURY BAND

Historically, there was a Canterbury Silver Band which was disbanded in the War years. The present Brass Band was formed in 1969 and some of the original members still play with the band now. The members of the band come from all walks of life and are of a great range in ages. Many of the players travel great distances to rehearsals. The band prides itself in being a most welcoming, friendly and dedicated organisation that provides entertaining music for its listeners. The players enjoy performing on a very regular basis in the South East. The band has wound thirty engagements this year, which include formal concerts, playing at bandstands, performing at fetes, providing music for church services and supporting local charities. The band has also recently produced a CD joint with a local choir and is presently looking into producing another recording of its own music.

Coming to Folkestone Bandstand this Sunday 6th September

2.30 to 4.30pm
Really looking forward to welcoming back by popular request BEN LOCK DUKE OF SWINGS – FOUR PIECE SWING BAND & JAZZ DUO
Deckchairs and a safe environment will be provided for our regular audience and hopefully of course many new ones. Bring a picnic and settle down to a great afternoon of fantastic entertainment.
Don’t miss it! Be there! And listen to The Dukes of Swing play a great selection of tracks from the 40’s and 50’s, made famous by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Sammie Davis Junior, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett (and more recently Michael Buble, Robbie Williams and Jamie Cullum). They are fronted by Benjamin Lock; a charismatic and smooth sounding jazz singer from Kent with experience of performing all over the UK at top venues and clubs. The line-up also consists of the hugely talented Chris Kennedy on Piano, Darren Reynolds on Double Bass and Mark Stitson on Drums.
INFO
Our repertoire consists of popular swing/jazz songs both old and new including: Fly Me To The Moon, Come Fly With Me, Mondance, I Get a Kick Out of You, Mr Bojangles, Mack The Knife, Moonlight in Vermont, What a Difference a Day Makes, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, King of the Swingers, Have You Met Miss Jones, Cry Me a River, Straighten Up and Fly Right, The Way You Look Tonight, Beyond The Sea, Girl From Ipenema, Yes Sir That’s my Baby, The Lady is a Tramp, Night and Day and Hit the Road Jack… just to name a few!

 

 

Great news – although all our events in May, June and July had to be cancelled during the coronavirus uncertainties – we are excited and delighted that our Sunday Bandstand Events re-started on Sunday 9th August on the Folkestone Bandstand from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Do come along and listen to a range of different music we have been able to arrange.

Our usual Brass, Wind and Concert Bands have all had to cancel their planned performances because they are unable to practice together or perform together due to restrictions imposed on them, which is very disappointing.

Due to the present climate there will be certain measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Hand Sanitisers will be on site for your use. Deckchairs will be provided as usual set out in pairs with 1m distance between each pair of chairs. Do bring your own chairs, blankets, picnic, food and drinks, and settle down near the Bandstand as directed and enjoy an afternoon of fun and enjoyment. We look forward to seeing you.

THE NEXT EVENTS WILL BE:

AUGUST – SUNDAY 16TH & SEPTEMBER SUNDAY 6TH – NICK BENNETT – A solo/acoustic performer, who supported Brian McFadden (Westlife / TV personality) on his UK & IRE tour last year, along with the X-Factor’s Luke Friend, before opening for the show’s winner, Ben Haenow. He has also supported many other bands too, including Suede, Everything Everything and Morcheeba, with his own songs aired on BBC radio and TF1 (France’s  TV Ch 1). He also plays many pubs, clubs, hotels, bars and restaurants around the UK, as a full time professional, where he plays all cover versions. He will play a full 2 hour+ set of popular covers on Folkestone bandstand; performing songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Jam, The Kinks, Oasis, The Who, The Smiths, Johnny Cash etc.

AUGUST – SATURDAY 22ND – THE DUKES OF SWING  – SWING BAND AND JAZZ DUO – The Dukes of Swing play a great selection of tracks from the 40’s and 50’s, made famous by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Sammie Davis Junior, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett (and more recently Michael Buble, Robbie Williams and Jamie Cullum). They are fronted by Benjamin Lock; a charismatic and smooth sounding jazz singer from Kent with experience of performing all over the UK at top venues and clubs. The line-up also consists of the hugely talented Chris Kennedy on Piano, Darren Reynolds on Double Bass and Mark Stitson on Drums. Our repertoire consists of popular swing/jazz songs both old and new including: Fly Me To The Moon, Come Fly With Me, Mondance, I Get a Kick Out of You, Mr Bojangles, Mack The Knife, Moonlight in Vermont, What a Difference a Day Makes, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, King of the Swingers, Have You Met Miss Jones, Cry Me a River, Straighten Up and Fly Right, The Way You Look Tonight, Beyond The Sea, Girl From Ipenema, Yes Sir That’s my Baby, The Lady is a Tramp, Night and Day and Hit the Road Jack… just to name a few!

AUGUST – SUNDAY 23RD – COLJONES 7 – Humour, fun, repartee and of course great jazz mark The Coljones Seven’s style. You will thoroughly enjoy listening to Kent’s Number 1 Swing & Party Band – not to be missed!

AUGUST – SUNDAY 30TH – STEVE BELL – 50 minute musical trip in solo guitar music from the era of Henry VIII to the present; 20 minute break followed by 50 minutes of other music of the 20’s and 40’s. The play-list for today’s music – the “Key in Time” programme.

The original programme below arranged for SUNDAY 24TH MAY – SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER have all been cancelled.

MAY 24TH – BRACKNELL & WOKINGHAM COMMUNITY BAND

Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band (BWCB) provides a musical environment in which to rekindle, retain and improve your musical skills. BWCB is made up of three wind bands, catering for a wide variety of experience. In addition, there is a range of smaller ensembles meeting regularly, for both woodwind and brass players. BWCB was founded in 2008 and now has over 120 members across three wind bands and ensembles. The bands play music from classical to contemporary, jazz to pop, including TV shows and film scores. Each band performs in a number of concerts throughout the year.

MAY 31ST – EAST PECKHAM SILVER BAND

First formed in 1895 we have a long and successful history and can boast the title of the oldest surviving Village band in Kent. The band can be seen at a range of events and venues across the South East and are available for Concert Performances, weddings and community events.

JUNE 6TH (Saturday) – FOLKESTONE COMMUNITY SWING BAND

Folkestone Community Swing Band is a group of enthusiastic musicians from intermediate to a professional level, who are united by their love of big band music and an enjoyment of playing together for audiences across Kent. They are a registered charity who keeps giving. In the spring of 2017, a small group of musicians with a range of experience were gathered together for the first time in Folkestone by Bandleader: Keith Davis. The goal was to create a band that was as fun to be a part of as it was good to listen to.
United by a love of swing and big band music, that small gathering gradually added to it’s numbers and its repertoire and now performs in and around Folkestone & Hythe and further raising vital funds for local charities.

JUNE 7TH – ASHFORD CONCERT BAND

We are a local community band for adults and our aim is to enjoy making music as well as raising money for charity. We are a friendly group and new members are always welcome. You will need to be able to read music and have a level of proficiency on your instrument to enable you to get the most out of the music and the experience within the band.

JUNE 14TH – HYTHE TOWN CONCERT BAND

The HTCB has been established on Kent’s South Coast for over 135 years. It prides itself as being a community band contributing to many local events, civil functions and services. This is further endorsed by having the Admiral of the Fleet, The Lord Boyce, Warden of the Cinque Ports, as our patron. We have close and regular links with our twin towns of Poperingue in Belgium and Berck-sur-Mer in France and have recently played at the famous Menin Gate war memorial in Ypres, Belgium.

JUNE 20TH (Saturday) – INVICTA JAZZ ORCHESTRA 

We are The Invicta Jazz Orchestra: a friendly group of approximately 40 amateur musicians with a huge variety of ages: from GCSE students to retired! 

Our repertoire is heavily varied, ranging from Jazz Standards and the Big Band Era of the 20s to modern arrangements, such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and includes both vocal and instrumental numbers, so there is something for everyone. 

JUNE 21ST – CRYSTAL PALACE BAND 

The Crystal Palace Band is one of the very few remaining traditional brass bands in London. Founded in 1901, today the band has over 30 playing members and a thriving progress band.

JUNE 28TH – ARMED FORCES DAY

This is a large scale outdoor community fun event with a full staged entertainment programme and performances in a roped arena area with various military stands, an air display with the red arrows funfair and static vehicle displays. 

JULY 5TH – DEAL BRASS ACADEMY 

Deal Brass Academy began as an independent band in 2013. We are a local band for young and old alike, dedicated to encouraging and training young musicians in the playing of brass instruments, maintaining the strong traditions of Brass Band Music which were an important part of the social life of the Kent collieries.

We give between 6 and 10 performances every year, and have played at Folkestone Bandstand in 2017 and 2018. We raise funds for local charities each year by accompanying carol singing in the open air in Christmas week. 

We are proud to be affiliated to both the Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club, who allow us to use the clubhouse for our rehearsals, and to the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, where we have played for their Beer Festival and at the opening of the Lord Warden Suite in the presence of the Admiral The Lord Boyce. We play each year for the Royal Marines Band Service memorial game at the rugby club. Our band has members from 10 years to  – older than we care to reveal!  New members, of any age, are always welcome.

JULY 11TH (Saturday)- VINTAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

On and around the Bandstand 11am to 12.45 – The Runaways 1pm to 3pm – Folkestone Community Swing Band 3.20pm to 5.10pm The Dulcettes 5.30pm to 7.30pm – Facepainting. Punch & Judy. Vintage Amusements. Re-enactment Groups Vintage & Classic Vehicles Sing-alongs of the 20’s and 40’s Market and food stalls. Period Costume dress up competition. 1900 – 1950’s – children 5-12year olds. And much more – programme subject to weather on the day. Leas Cliff Hall Chequerboard. Dance Demonstrations/Participation: Tacky Annies Swing Dance Club Vintage Ruby songs of the 1920’s to 40’s.

JULY 12TH – UK U105KG STRONGEST MAN COMPETITION

The Strongest Man UK U105kg is organized on behalf of Folkestone Festivals by Marc Cherry of Hyperoptic, who was at the Hawkinge Festival in 2016. Twelve of the UK’s strongest men will qualify for this great final.! 

This year it will take place in the area from the bandstand towards the Leas which is ideal for this particularly the hard surface between the grass with viewing either side.

JULY 19TH – 1ST WHISTABLE SCOUT GROUP BAND

We are the Canterbury District’s longest established brass band, 2019 being our centenary year. Regular concerts are given in the local area, presenting a wide variety of popular music performed with style.  Membership is open to musicians from all areas of the local community, not exclusively to scouts

JULY 25H (Saturday)- SNOWDON COLLIERY WELFARE BAND

Snowdown Colliery Welfare Band was formed in 1926 and consisted entirely of miners from the colliery. We currently have approximately 30 members, of which three players are ex-miners. Although we do have members whose fathers were miners and played in the band. 

The Snowdown Colliery Welfare Brass Band is entirely self supporting and perform at local fetes, fairs, bandstands, concerts and is an active contesting band. It is only with the help of a hard-working committee and dedicated players, who give their services for the love of music and the thrill of performing in public, that the band continues.

JULY 26TH – INVICTA CONCERT BAND 

A traditional Concert Band playing  everything from Big Band, Waltzes, Marches, Show Selections, Overtures – in fact anything that can be described as popular music can be found in our repertoire.

AUGUST 2ND – FAVERSHAM MISSION BRASS BAND 

Faversham Mission Brass is a non-contesting brass band based in the lovely market town of Faversham.  Over the years, the band has become more and more a town band than a church band, although the band is still connected to Faversham Gospel Mission and plays at its services about three times a year particularly Easter, Harvest and Christmas.  The band plays regularly in the town for concerts and community events, as well as on the district’s bandstands and for many charity organisations to assist with their fund-raising activities.

AUGUST 9TH – BIRCHINGTON SILVER BAND

Records show that a brass band existed in Birchington as far back as 1934. A photograph which was taken in Crescent Road Birchington shows a band of at least twelve musicians then. Four brothers (the Hayward Brothers) arrived from Wales and immediately helped to form a brass band in the village. A loan was secured from a wealthy local businessman to provide cash to purchase some instruments. At this time it was known as the Baptist Band.

AUGUST 16TH – SECOND WIND CONCERT BAND

Second Wind is a concert band of enthusiastic amateur players of wind instruments, mostly those that are commonly heard in military bands (typically Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium and Tuba) supported by drums and other percussion.

We get together most weeks of the year under the baton of our music director Martin Forward, to rehearse and prepare for concerts and just to enjoy playing music in the great variety of styles available to bands such as ours. Concert venues include public bandstands, like Eastbourne and summer Fetes and Festivals. See our Diary for details.

AUGUST 23RD –SEVENOAKS & TONBRIDGE CONCERT BAND 

The Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band is a symphonic wind band based in Sevenoaks, Kent, but with its players drawn from a wide area. With a busy schedule of performances at different venues across the region, our repertoire ranges from original works for wind ensemble to arrangements of orchestral pieces, military band items and light music of various styles. Our Training Band offers an opportunity for less experienced players to develop their skills.

AUGUST 30TH -UK PAPER BAND

The UK Paper Band is currently going from strength to strength, under the leadership of musical director Mark Hinchliffe. The band plays at many engagements across Kent, in a variety of venues, from bandstands on the coast, to churches around North Kent, at summer fetes, or at our “home” in the Appleyard. We also love to journey further afield. In 2009 we travelled to Llandudno in North Wales for the weekend and in 2011 we spent a weekend in Staffordshire playing at The Churnet Valley Railway.

SEPTEMBER 6TH – CITY OF CANTERBURY BAND

Historically, there was a Canterbury Silver Band which was disbanded in the War years. The present Brass Band was formed in 1969 and some of the original members still play with the band now. The members of the band come from all walks of life and are of a great range in ages. Many of the players travel great distances to rehearsals. The band prides itself in being a most welcoming, friendly and dedicated organisation that provides entertaining music for its listeners. The players enjoy performing on a very regular basis in the South East. The band has wound thirty engagements this year, which include formal concerts, playing at bandstands, performing at fetes, providing music for church services and supporting local charities. The band has also recently produced a CD joint with a local choir and is presently looking into producing another recording of its own music.