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What’s On in Local Venues?
Monday 30th June - Sunday 6th July
THE MARKET INN
MON 7pm: The Wrotham Arms Choir
THURS 7pm: Max Robinson
FRI 8pm: Luke Jaxson
SAT 8pm: The Regulars
THE RED COW
FRI 8pm: Camine
SAT 3pm: Absolutely Shattered
SAT 6pm: 4th Dog
SUN 12pm: Max Robinson
SUN 3pm: Kyanna
THE WAITING ROOM
WEDS 7:30pm: John Farrington
THURS 7:30pm: Bill Beer
SAT 12:30pm: Express Theatre Company
MERMAIDS LOCKER
THURS 8pm: Open Mic Night
FRI 8pm: John Doggerel & The Bad Poets
SAT 4pm: Andy Twyman
SAT 7:30pm: General Folk & Tune Session
SUN 1pm: Irish Tune Session
THE EMPIRE CINEMA
THURS 7:30pm: Woodstock (1970)
A special showing of an absolute classic in The Empire Cinema Lounge, with licensed bar.
Cinema open as normal for normal programme schedule.
THE CRISPIN INN
TUES 6pm: Trev Giles
WEDS 6pm: Trev Giles
THURS 6pm: Joe Jones
FRI 6pm: Martin Ledner and the Haunted Folk
SAT 4pm: Phil Woollett
SAT 6pm: Gumbo Trio
SUN 4pm: Katie Bradley
QUAYSIDE BAR & GRILL
FRI 7:30pm: Kev Ivarson
SAT 2pm: Callum Sutton
SAT 7pm: Black Keys White Notes
SUN 2pm: Thomas Abrahams
SUN 5:30pm: Jeff Barker Zootz
SANDWICH MEDIEVAL CENTRE
FRI 6pm: Rough Musicke and Trudge Pig Mumming in a Medieval Tavern
SAT 6pm: Ravenhymn, performing in a Medieval Tavern
Centre open as normal 10am - 4pm
TIME & TIDE TAPHOUSE
FRI 5pm: John Farrington
SAT 1pm: Hoy Boy Sea Shanties
SAT 3pm: Joe Jones
SAT 7pm: Stan from Black Market Karma
SUN 1pm: Hoy Boy Sea Shanties
SUN 2:30pm: Ricotta Layer
SUN 5pm: The Random Band
THE KINGS ARMS HOTEL
SUN 2pm: Sandwich Folk Club - all welcome!
THE NEW INN
THURS 7:30pm: Fusion + Steak & Burger Night!
SAT 7:30pm: The Devil’s Prefects
ST MARY’S ART CENTRE
WEDS 6pm: Sandwich Junior School art exhibition
FRI 7pm: Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival present The Remains of Johnny Cash supported by Callum Sutton (festival fundraiser - tickets £15)
SAT 7pm: The Marrakesh Express supported by The Dylan Experience
Guildhall Stage
Saturday 5th July - Sunday 6th July
ACOUSTIC ARCHITECTS
Acoustic Architects are an upbeat folk-rock outfit, playing original songs, their own arrangements of traditional ballads, and a few covers.
Expect beautiful harmonies, songs to make you dance, and an ever-evolving line-up of Kent musicians.
𝙒𝙚𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚: www.acousticarchitects.co.uk
𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙: soundcloud.com/acousticarchitects
A D SCRUFFS
A.D. Scruffs is an Americana band hailing from Bristol, with a foot-stomping collection of ear-worm-infested originals and a storming stage presence sure to captivate any audience!
With their debut album due for release March 2025, and a solid first year under their belt of supporting renowned acts, both national and international, the group is going from strength to strength, with a loyal fanbase growing along with them.
Check out some more of their music here: https://sites.google.com/view/adscruffsepk/home
WICKENWOOD
Indie-folk trio Wickenwood base their sound around harmony driven vocals, backed up by guitar, bouzouki and fiddle. Their passion for history and folklore takes them around the country, drawing song writing inspiration from the people, tales and legends of the places they visit.
Check out their promotion video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q0HWHyhx7vo
LAST MAN STANDING
Last Man Standing has a unique story to tell. Comprised of Nick, Kim, Harry, Johnny, and Sharline, this band blends rock, folk, and country influences into an original sound that is both upbeat and reflective.
Their lyrics delve into complex, challenging issues with candour, drawing upon a lifetime of personal experiences, from rehabilitation to overcoming the pitfalls of addiction.
Each member has seen better days, yet together they transform hardship into spirited, honest music that resonates with authenticity and depth.
TWO CROWS FOR COMFORT
Two time MCMA Roots Duo/Group of the Year, Two Crows for Comfort, are a touring folk/Americana duo from the prairie wonderland of Manitoba, Canada.
Playing countless shows from coast to coast, these wandering troubadours live on the road full-time in an 18 foot camper with their pup, Elliot. Known for their comedic yet poignant storytelling and off-the-cuff stage banter, the duo promises a show full of positivity, laughter and even a singalong or two.
This a link to the video page on their website with links to Youtube: https://www.twocrowsforcomfort.com/video
SAM BROTHERS
Described by Acoustic Magazine as “Always Compelling”, Sam Brothers is a young Canterbury, UK based Folk Singer-songwriter whose performances bring to mind the Soho and Greenwich Village Folk Scenes of the 1960's.
His bluesy guitar, stompbox and harmonica filled performances are deeply rooted in the music of greats such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Bert Jansch, John Lee Hooker and Fairport Convention.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=09beIxopcRM - Music video shot in Sandwich.
THE ASHEN KEYS
The Ashen Keys are a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent. Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music.
Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation. Check out their music below:
Capricious https://youtu.be/_CXPg6aMJus
Albion https://youtu.be/lxENWTW7HfQ
SWING THE BRIDGE
Swing The Bridge-Kent are a dynamic and versatile Folk-Rock and Ceilidh five-piece band complete with a highly skilled and experienced caller to guide your guests through the dances, making sure everyone has fun, regardless of their ability.
Their full five-piece band showcases a rich and vibrant sound with accordion, violin, guitar, bass guitar with a setlist of traditional tunes designed to keep everyone dancing all evening. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or complete beginner they’ll make sure everyone feels comfortable and has a great time.
The best place to contact the band is via their website: www.swingthebridge.co.uk
Market Street Stage
Saturday 5th July - Sunday 6th July
THREE WHEELIN’
Three Wheelin are a three piece band from East Kent. Featuring Kate on lead vocals and bass; Simon on acoustic guitar and vocals; Dave on ukulele and vocals.
They play songs from any era but particularly like those where they can do good harmonies. “Fly me to the moon”; Alannah Myles’ Black Velvet; Cockney Rebel’s Come Up and See Me. They do country, rock n’ roll and pop songs.
Three Wheelin' can be booked for local events by emailing ds5712437@gmail.com.
THE FABULOUS FEZHEADS
The Fabulous Fezheads are England’s Premier Sand Dance Illusionists carrying on in the tradition of Old ‘Blind Ned’ Cleggett with his famous stage act of the 1920’s and 30’s.
Under the watchful eye of Father Ken and featuring Keith the Camel, the Fabulous Fezheads blend a mixture of Dance, Danger and Music that will Astound, Astonish and Amuse.
Check out their YouTube Channel here: https://youtube.com/@fezheadsvevo4132
CALLUM SUTTON
Soul man, blues harmonica player, lyrical songwriter, guitarist frontman - there are many facets which make up the exciting blend of soul, folk, jazz and blues of Sutton's sound.
Now this signature sound is demonstrated for the first time on record with the release of upcoming album The Union, a new collection of 10 original songs, out in Spring.
Callum Sutton’s Linktree contains his Spotify & Bandcamp pages: https://linktr.ee/callumsuttonmusic
HENTY AND ENGLISH
Seasoned folk performers Kevin Henty and Matthew English Violinist will be performing at this year's festival at Sunday 6th July on Market Street.
Henty (vocals, melodeon and guitar) and young fiddle virtuoso Matthew English have been playing together for three years. They play both songs and tunes, traditional and modern, some of it original.
They especially enjoy performing at Rochester Sweeps Festival, Broadstairs Folk Week, Le Weekend, Sandwich Folk & Ale and many more!
NICK LAWRENCE
From foot-stomping folk to heartfelt ballads to historical commentary and story telling, Nick Lawrence draws from the well of traditional and contemporary folk to compose his songs.
His compositions evoke images of centuries gone by, be that wassailing in the winter, the re-telling of Viking raids in Kent, or spurned love, where the audience will be singing along, laughing, and maybe even shedding a tear throughout the performance.
Check out Nick performing at Westerham Brewery: https://shorturl.at/q4BE9 as well as on Spotify and Apple Music.
MORTLAKE
Named after the hometown of Elizabeth I’s court magician, Dr John Dee, Mortlake is a blend of dark folk, with Tudor and Medieval influences.
The songs are for the most part about local legends and tales from the windswept Romney Marsh where Mortlake are based.
Check out more from Mortlake on their website: www.mortlake.band
Mortlake can also be contacted by email: info@mortlakeband
CRAIG JOINER
Although Craig Joiner has forged a career and won repute in the rock arena, folk music has always been his true muse and calling.
Craig released his debut solo album, ‘Art Of Landing’, in 2018 but his incredible journey began back in 1987 when his band Romeo’s Daughter was signed to Jive Records and released their debut album a year later. The self-titled album was produced by the legendary Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange (Def Leppard, The Cars, AC/DC, Shania Twain), spawned a whirlwind tour of the USA and saw the single ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ shoot up the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart there.
Craig's composition, 'The Wedding Day of Eliza May' was voted 'Track/Song Of the Year, 2024' in the annual Fatea Awards: https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/news/Winners2024/
‘A Kind Of Calm’ is available to purchase exclusively from www.craigjoinermusic.com
RAVENHYMN
Stepping in to save our bacon, Heavy Medieval Folk Metal band Ravenhymn are coming to this year’s Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival.
With bagpipes, flute, whistles and drums, and Latin, German and English vocals, Ravenhymn brings the raucous debauchery of the middle ages to modern times.
Compared to bands including In Extremo, Saltatio Mortis and Corvus Corax, Ravenhymn delivers a heavier, English sound to the German Mittelalter music genre.
THE BAGGY BOYS
The The Baggy Boys are a 6-piece rock and pop band formed in 2010 from a collection of fun-lovin' oldies who just couldn't get enough of bands like the Beatles, Kinks, Stones and the Eagles.
Their unique brand of entertainment fuses 60s, 70s and 80s Pop and Rock anthems that are guaranteed to make you want to sing and dance all night long. Now hailed as “legendary” by their “Baguettes”, billed as “World Famous” (in Kent).
Overheard from one landlord last summer – ‘𝙉𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨!’
ADAM GREEN
Adam Green Music is an Indie/folk/rock/pop soloist from Thanet.
His high energy performances and interesting use of a loop pedal make Adam Green an up and coming talent not to be missed.
CRAZY WATER COMMON
British Americana duo Crazy Water Common was born of a happy accident… An unexpectedly poetic tale, involving two seasoned touring musicians, a robbery in Austin, Texas and a double-booking in the Swiss Alps. For this brand new act, necessity was indeed the mother of invention.
Both veterans of national & internationally touring bands, each have built a reputation as highly specialised and capable career musicians. Starks’ rhythmic and articulate guitar style alongside the sympathetic, understated banjo and pedal-steel-guitar playing of Wicks create a powerful foundation for their thought-provoking songwriting. Providing a unique take upon the ever-broadening genre of Americana, has already garnered significant attention from their musical peers and audiences alike.
To hear the fully-embellished inception story, you are required to attend a show. Details of upcoming shows can be found at www.crazywatercommon.com.
Acorn Stage
MIKE FLETCHER
Stop the presses: MIKE IS BACK!
Mike Fletcher is a Dorset-based singer songwriter and festival regular. His ukulele songs are influenced by George Formby, Jonathan Richman, Tom Waits and The Wiggles.
FOUR GONE CONFUSION
Four Gone Confusion are a four piece band from East Sussex that play and sing a range of very eclectic material from traditional folk songs, classical duets, fun etc. with the emphasis on entertaining.
They play guitar, bouzouki, flute, kalimba, bowed psaltery and use lots of harmony.
For more information please check out their website: www.fourgoneconfusion.org
In memory of Nicky Lester
Saturday 5th July - Sunday 6th July
IZZY WOODLAND
Described by BBC Introducing’s Abbie McCarthy as an artist who “has such a way with words”, Dover singer-songwriter Izzy Woodland draws inspiration from personal experiences, positivity and the world through her lens.
Izzy’s lyrics capture the essence of life and all the lessons that come with it, and hopes to create music that can feature in the soundtrack of people’s lives.
Inspired by artists such as Hozier, Maisie Peters and Lizzy McAlpine, Izzy's soft folk-acoustic melodies aim to resonate with listeners, and create an adaptable listening experience for everyone and anyone.
JAKE ARGYLE
Jake Argyle is an indie/folk singer-songwriter from Kent, known for heartfelt storytelling and intimate melodies. He is now bringing raw, honest song writing to new audiences. Currently writing and recording his debut solo album, Jake blends folk with a modern indie edge.
Please make sure to check out more from Jake:
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jakeargyleuk?si=Q0hrPxqk3Ek97pV_
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jakeartistuk?_t=ZN-8uSk1DgeKBS&_r=1
JACK BOWDEN
Jack Bowden is a Singer Songwriter from Southeast Kent. His songs often contain humour and surround night life and modern romance among other topics.
Jacks passion for lyric writing is very obvious throughout all of his songs, his ability to play with words in a unique yet reachable way is at the forefront of his music.
When performing live; he is equipped with a nylon string guitar giving an almost Spanish feel to the set and an unmatched energy level.
Check out Jack's YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/user/Mrjack743
ELLIOT NORRIS AND SAM MUMMERY
Sam Mummery and Elliot Norris have been playing music together since they were 7yrs old. Forming 'Giants', they have just released a new single - Press Pause - now available on all streaming platforms.
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/xI5oi
YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTw5B4hpqwo
St Peter’s Church Garden
Saturday 5th July
ROCK CHOIR CANTERBURY - THANET - DEAL - 1PM
Rock Choir is the UK’s leading contemporary award-winning choir experience offering local weekly rehearsals, performances and life-affirming events to more than 400 towns and communities across the UK. It’s all about singing, fun, your local community, friendship and life-changing experiences!
EXPRESS THEATRE COMPANY - 2PM
A series of short, dramatic vignettes: created and performed by the Express Theatre Company from Sir Roger Manwood’s School, using the classic British film ‘Brief Encounters’ as a starting point.
SANDWICH JUNIOR SCHOOL PTFA FUNDRAISING STALL 10AM - 2PM
HOOPSEA HOOPERS - 3PM
Step into a world of hoops and bubbles with Hoopsea Hoopers at the Sandwich Folk and Ale festival this July! At the Hoop & Bubble Corner, festival-goers of all ages are invited to hoop, spin, swirl, and float away in a joyful playground of hula hoops and giant bubbles.
Promo video:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGsMyAONny5/?igsh=czJuNXpjYnkydHpy
Profiles:
https://www.instagram.com/hoopdance_lay?igsh=MTZ6NjN3YWRud3diOA==