Live Music in Tunbridge Wells The Best Venues, Events, and Festivals in Town

If music be the food of love, then Tunbridge Wells delivers (g)astronomical proportions! Our corner of Kent is absolutely bursting with music. Whether you’re looking for rock, metal, jazz, or country gigs, you’re almost guaranteed to find it in our vibrant town.

In this post, we’ll talk you through some of the best venues, events, and festivals for live music in Tunbridge Wells.

Best Music Venues in Tunbridge Wells

1. The Forum

The Tunbridge Wells Forum is an award-winning independent music venue located on The Common, just a stone’s throw away from the Pantiles.

Known for hosting a variety of music genres, the iconic venue is popular with local bands and international acts—you can catch some fantastic performances here. Well-known acts that have performed at the Forum include Coldplay, Oasis, Adele, Green Day, and The Libertines!

2. The Forum Basement

The Forum Basement is an intimate live music venue based inside The Sussex Arms pub (that’s us). We host a diverse range of talented artists from various genres, including country, punk rock, and grunge. If you’re looking for an electrifying atmosphere and great music, the Forum Basement is the place to go!

3. The Grey Lady

This stylish bar in the Pantiles offers an intimate setting for jazz, flamenco, and acoustic sessions. Here, you can sit back with a cocktail and enjoy dinner while listening to music from talented local musicians.

4. Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall

The Assembly Hall Theatre boasts 1,000 seats, making it a perfect venue for larger concerts and events. From fantastic rock and pop tribute acts to classical music, they collaborate with local, national, and international organisations to bring a variety of sounds, shows, and events to southeast England.

Best Pubs with Live Music in Tunbridge Wells

5. The George

Based on Mount Ephraim, The George hosts live music events throughout the year and is also one of the venues participating in the annual Unfest music festival. With two outdoor spaces, a taproom, a cocktail bar, a fantastic food menu, and one of the friendliest atmospheres in Tunbridge Wells, live events at The George are always fun! Keep an eye on their social media for upcoming events, or download the Fonthill Collective app for the latest offers, events, and updates.

6. The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak is a family-run pub with a proud tradition of supporting live music. Like The George, it is one of the venues during Unfest, and they routinely run gig nights throughout the year. Visit The Royal Oak for a welcoming atmosphere, music, and fantastic beer and food. You can learn about their upcoming gigs on their Facebook page.

The Best Music Festivals in Tunbridge Wells

8. Unfest

Held annually over the bank holiday weekend at the end of May, Unfest is a free celebration of independent music featuring a variety of acts across multiple venues, including the Forum, The Sussex Arms, The George, The Royal Oak, and a pop-stage on Sussex Mews. For a weekend of fun, music, and great food, see the programme for Unfest 2024!

9. Local & Live Festival

Another free music festival, Local & Live takes place every August bank holiday weekend at Calverley Grounds and other venues, including the Forum and Forum Basement. The festival showcases talented local musicians, food, and beer.

10. Live at the Pantiles (Formerly Jazz on the Pantiles)

Live at the Pantiles is an annual summer music festival hosted in Tunbridge Wells’ historic Pantiles. Every Thursday evening (7pm to 10pm) between May and September, guests can enjoy vibrant music across various genres, including jazz, funk, soul, pop, rock, and ska. You can reserve your tickets for the event in advance online.

Cheers!

Here at The Sussex, we’re passionate about great music. Sign up for the Fonthill Collective newsletter and be the first to know about the best upcoming events at The Sussex Arms, the Forum Basement, The George, and The Ragged Trousers.

Hungry? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Tunbridge Wells!