Tonbridge Calling Festival, A PhotoStory

Hundreds turned out in the glorious sunshine for the second year of Tonbridge Calling Festival on Saturday 12 August. The free, unticketed event was set within an open park and seamlessly run by a team of 40 volunteers. It was set up last year with the vision of bringing a message of unity to the town and strengthening community spirit. A diverse array of sounds, rythyms and culinary delights was provided for all.

Pengenista Drummers Open Tonbridge Calling (Laura Chesson)

The energetic Penge community samba reggae band Pengenista Drummers woke up the town with their vibrant Brazilian Bahia rhythms as they marched along the river to the main festival stage.

Pengenista Drummers (Laura Chesson)

The festival opened with Petits Bijoux playing on the main stage, a French Chanson duet. French-born singer, France charmed the audience with her thoughtful, expressive repertoire which was reminiscent of that found in quaint Parisian cafes. Joining her was the talented accordion player, Christine in what was their first official gig together.

Petits Bijoux (Laura Chesson)

Musical ‘mixologist’ trio, The Violet Jive were next up with a heady, colourful cocktail of covers and originals. Festival-goers were treated to an hour of exotic swing, rock ‘n’ roll and latino rhythms whilst they soaked up long-awaited August sun.

The Violet Jive (Laura Chesson)

Broadstairs based Hobo and the Hippies got feet stomping, toes tapping and the crowd swaying with their cheeky original tunes filled with catchy melodic harmonies and an unforgettable dose of nonchalant pirate swagger.

Hobo and the Hippies (Laura Chesson)

Hips were swinging by mid-afternoon to the wild, infectious mix of Latin covers and original tunes from seven-piece ‘Salsa dura’ band, Salsadelic from Tunbridge Wells.

Salsadelic (Laura Chesson)

Lazlo Baby, a four-piece band hailing from Eastern Stockport closed the festival and got revellers up dancing with their exuberant mix of high energy Balkan feel folksy ska numbers.

Lazlo Baby (Laura Chesson)

Revellers dancing as Lazlo Baby headlined the festival (Laura Chesson)

Lazlo Baby (Laura Chesson)

The day was a huge success with something for everyone thanks to the support from local organisations, businesses, entertainers, musicians and food vendors. As the festival gains momentum and firmly places itself into the town’s social calendar, plans are already underway for next year.

Photo Story by Laura Chesson at Tonbridge Calling, Racecourse Park, August 12th 2017

https://rockshotmagazine.com/28160/live-y-not-festival-2017/

Katy Hurt @ Country on the Coast Festival 2026 (Henry Finnegan / @finneganfoto)

Where Country Finds Its Future: Inside Country On The Coast 2026

Set against the backdrop of the south coast, Country On The Coast 2026 delivered exactly what the UK country scene...

The Cab Return With Long-Awaited Third Album ‘Chasing Crowns’

After more than a decade away from full-length releases, Las Vegas pop-rock outfit The Cab have officially returned with their third studio album, Chasing Crowns, out now. The 18-track record marks the band’s first album in 15 years and signals a powerful new chapter for a group whose absence has only heightened anticipation for their comeback.

Luvcat Unveils ‘Vampire At The Beach’ And Announces Dark New EP ‘Lovebites’

Liverpool’s rising cult star Luvcat returns with her latest single Vampire At The Beach, a brooding and cinematic offering that sets the tone for her forthcoming EP Lovebites, due for release on 22nd May.

James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers @ Wembley Arena (Kalpesh Patel)

Manic Street Preachers And Suede Announce Massive Co-Headline UK Arena Tour For Autumn 2026

Two of Britain’s most enduring and influential bands, Manic Street Preachers and Suede, have joined forces to announce a major co-headline UK arena tour set to take place in autumn 2026.

Basht. Announce Debut Album ‘Poor Advice’ And Unveil Brooding New Single ‘Perfume’

Dublin four-piece Basht. have unveiled details of their debut album Poor Advice, set for release on 9th October, alongside the release of its gripping lead single Perfume.

The Temperance Movement (Rob Blackham / Blackham Images)

The Temperance Movement Announce ‘Let It All Out’ UK & European Tour

British rock outfit The Temperance Movement have announced a major return to the road this autumn, unveiling their 2026 Let It All Out tour—a 21-date run spanning Europe and the UK.

The War And Treaty Announce UK & European Summer Tour For 2026

Acclaimed duo The War And Treaty have unveiled plans for an extensive UK and European summer tour in 2026, bringing their celebrated live show across the continent this July.

Tiffany Stringer Unveils Cinematic New EP ‘The Lone Starlet’

Rising pop artist Tiffany Stringer is stepping into a bold new era with the announcement of her upcoming EP The Lone Starlet, set for release on 8th May. Blending big-screen storytelling with glossy pop production, the project marks a striking evolution for the Texas-born singer-songwriter.