Tonbridge Calling Festival, A PhotoStory

by | Aug 21, 2017

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 (Laura Chesson)

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)

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)

Petits Bijoux (Laura Chesson)

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)

The Violet Jive (Laura Chesson)

The Violet Jive (Laura Chesson)

The Violet Jive (Laura Chesson)

The Violet Jive (Laura Chesson)

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)

Hobo and the Hippies (Laura Chesson)

Hobo and the Hippies (Laura Chesson)

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)

Salsadelic (Laura Chesson)

Salsadelic (Laura Chesson)

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)

Lazlo Baby (Laura Chesson)

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

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

Lazlo Baby (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/

 

The Nocturnal Affair (Press)

The Nocturnal Affair Bring Their Brooding Brand Of Dark Rock Back To The UK And Into Europe For The First Time

Las Vegas dark rockers The Nocturnal Affair are set to make their long-awaited return to the UK — and for the first...
Cian Ducrot (Press)

Cian Ducrot Shares Uplifting New Single ‘Your Eyes’ & Gears Up For UK Tour Ahead Of Sophomore Album ‘Little Dreaming’

Rising Irish pop sensation Cian Ducrot continues his impressive 2025 with the release of his radiant new single Your Eyes, the latest preview from his hotly anticipated sophomore album Little Dreaming, which lands on 1st August via Polydor Records.

Chet Faker (@CaptureCharles)

Chet Faker Shares Stirring New Single ‘Far Side Of The Moon’ & Announces Second London Show

Australian music icon Chet Faker returns with a heart-rending new single, Far Side Of The Moon, his first release since 2023’s Something Like This, and it marks a striking new chapter for one of alt-pop’s most celebrated voices. The track arrives with a cinematic new video and the announcement of a second headline London show at HERE At Outernet on 24th October, following a rapid sell-out of the first date.

Chance Peña (John Choi)

Chance Peña Marks Columbia Records Debut With Haunting New Single ‘Tongue Tied’

Rising Texas-born singer, songwriter, and producer Chance Peña continues his stellar 2025 streak with the release of his evocative new single Tongue Tied, marking his official debut for Columbia Records. Known for blending folk acoustics, indie rock textures, and intimate lyricism, Peña delivers a soulful, stripped-back anthem that resonates with anyone who’s experienced the slow unraveling of a relationship.

Liang Lawrence (Ana Chen)

Liang Lawrence Unveils Reflective New Single ‘A Day Off In Margaritaville’ Ahead Of Autumn UK Tour

Rising alt-pop storyteller Liang Lawrence has shared her shimmering new single A Day Off In Margaritaville, a vibrant, emotionally layered track that marks the first offering from her upcoming EP It’s A Funny Thing, due later this year via The Other Songs.

Mae Stephens (Hannah Burton)

Mae Stephens Returns With Infectious New Single ‘Tiny Voice’

Breakout pop star Mae Stephens is back with a bang as she drops her irresistibly offbeat new single, Tiny Voice — a track as addictive as it is relatable. Following the runaway global success of her hit If We Ever Broke Up, which racked up over 500 million streams, landed her a Top 15 UK single, and earned Gold certifications in both the UK and US, Stephens continues to show why she’s one of the most exciting new voices in pop.

Maya Lane (Press)

Maya Lane Announces New Single ‘I Don’t Know You Yet’ And Debut London Headline Show Ahead Of New EP

Rising UK pop-country star Maya Lane continues her impressive 2025 trajectory with the release of a stunning new single, I Don’t Know You Yet, out now. The introspective, stripped-back track offers a poignant taste of her forthcoming EP, The Hurt And The Healing, due out on 4th September, and precedes her debut headline show at London’s The Grace on 3rd September.

Perera Elsewhere (Hugo Holger Schneider x Gene Glover)

Perera Elsewhere Returns With Electrifying Double Single Ft. Andy S & Announces New Album

Berlin-based, UK-raised experimental artist Perera Elsewhere (aka Sasha Perera) is back with a high-voltage double single, F*ck Le System / Time Will Tell, out now on Friends Of Friends – both featuring viral Ivorian rapper Andy S. The release serves as a bold statement on feminine strength, social rebellion, and sonic experimentation.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing