This summer Local & Live turned 22. The popular free live music event, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend across various venues around Tunbridge Wells, is the brainchild of musician Paul Dunton. Here he reflects on this year’s successful event which saw a record number of businesses supporting it
Calverley Grounds once again proved to be a wonderful location and central hub for the 22nd Local & Live event over the August Bank Holiday weekend – and I know all the musicians involved really enjoyed performing on such a fantastic stage in front of many thousands of people.
Thankfully, the weather gods just about smiled on us. The showers were persistent, especially on Saturday, but as the weekend went on, things did improve. The Local & Live community showed up in their thousands and their amazing support never wavered, despite the inclement weather.
This wholehearted support for the event gives our team the confidence and belief to keep doing it every year. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came along and supported this year’s festival.
Huge thanks to my fellow trustees, all our amazing musicians, sponsors, venue partners, traders and volunteers. Everyone comes together to make Local & Live happen.
The atmosphere at this year’s event was something very special – perhaps the best yet. You could really sense the collective camaraderie that the festival brings, and there were so many amazing performances right across the board, particularly from our headline acts Origami Dinosaur, Camber and Anna Howie.
Over the past few years, Local & Live has really established its fringe events across the weekend, and our evening stages at The Forum and The Forum Basement were a real success.
The Bank Holiday Monday offered two open-air stages at Trinity Gardens and The Sussex Mews, and they were both packed! Running alongside an all-day stage inside The Forum, Monday has never been busier.
We are keen to keep developing the festival, and the fringe events are key to the continued evolution and progress of Local & Live.
Of course we couldn’t do any of this without the support of our venue partners – or our brilliant sponsors. If you’re a local business then do get in touch – we’d love to have you on board!
Why Local & Live is good for local business
Many local businesses help ensure Local & Live goes ahead every year. Here, some of this year’s sponsors tell Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine about their high notes from being involved…
Jo Wimble-Groves,
co-director, Active Digital
“We have known Paul Dunton for over 35 years and have seen first-hand the incredible commitment and passion he has poured into Local & Live. It brings together so many things we care about: music, community and independent businesses. As we celebrate 30 years of Active Digital, sponsoring this year’s event was the perfect way to celebrate.”
Roger Wood, founder,
Jump IT Recruitment Solutions
“Local & Live is one of the biggest free music events across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. It celebrates amazing local talent while giving emerging musicians the chance to perform to a crowd. As a local business and lifelong Tunbridge Wells resident, sponsoring the festival was a great way to reach more than 10,000 visitors and network with friends old and new.”
Identity Music
“Sponsoring Local & Live is our way of giving back to the local music community. We work with global artists and labels, but never forget the importance of grassroots events in fostering the next generation of artists. Alongside our support of the Bursary programme, we’re delighted to have played a part in bringing this wonderful event to Tunbridge Wells and beyond.”
Lorraine and Gavin Marsh,
The Diamond Setter
“We’re incredibly proud to sponsor Local & Live. There’s something very special about seeing the town come together. Tunbridge Wells has played a big part in our journey, so supporting an event that brings so many people together feels like a lovely way to give something back. Seeing The Diamond Setter on the big screen was a particularly proud moment.”
TW Property
“As a business that has served the Tunbridge Wells community for over 20 years, it’s great to be able to give something back. Local & Live is an amazing festival supporting local musicians and businesses, while enabling everyone in our community to enjoy this incredible talent. It’s been a pleasure to be involved and bring our name to even more people locally.”
Berry & Lamberts
“We’re delighted to sponsor Local & Live again. As a firm with deep roots in the Tunbridge Wells community, it’s great to give something back and provide everyone with access to the fantastic musical talent this town produces. The big screen at this year’s event was also a great way to get our brand in front of so many festival-goers.”
Alan BullocK, Insafe
“We are a team of 30 based in Tunbridge Wells and love supporting local events. Local & Live really brings the community together, and I’ve supported it for many years. This year, our sponsorship even brought visitors into our showroom to look at our safes. Paul does a brilliant job, and we’re thrilled to continue supporting such a great event.”
Julia Shadwell,
The Yoga House
“We decided to sponsor Local & Live because we’ve always loved live music and are avid gig-goers. My daughter is also a musician, so I understand how hard it can be to work in the industry. We love supporting local businesses too — and who wouldn’t want a free music festival in their home town? We’re delighted to support Paul and the festival.”
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