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/

 

Elijah Hewson of Inhaler @ Brixton Academy (Lewis Evans)

Inhaler Breathe In The Open Wide Of London’s Brixton Academy

Irish rockers Inhaler have been on the rise long before dropping debut LP It Won't Always Be Like This in 2021,...
Punk Rock Factory (Press)

Punk Rock Factory Drop Latest LP ‘All Hands On Deck’

Recent weeks have seen Punk Rock Factory detonate banger-after-banger of turbocharged takes on ‘90s classics such as...
Ada Morghe (Press)

Ada Morghe Announces New Album ‘Pure Good Vibes’

Having spent the last half decade building up a name as a jazz and soul singer of rare distinction, Ada Morghe has announced that her fourth album Pure Good Vibes will be released on June 13th. She launches the album alongside its first single and title track, which features the British reggae icon Maxi Priest.

The Pale White @ The Palladium (Louise Phillips)

The Pale White Reveal Video For Latest Single ‘Lost In The Moment’

Wallsend-hailing alt-rock trio The Pale White have unveil their new music video for their latest single Lost In The...

Lacuna Coil Drop New Single ‘I Wish You Were Dead’ Ahead Of Tenth LP

As the band prepares to release their brand new studio album Sleepless Empire, Italian metal titans Lacuna Coil have...
Toby Sebastian (Mike Palmer)

Toby Sebastian Announces New Album ‘Eyes Light Up’

Acclaimed British musician and actor Toby Sebastian has announced his new album Eyes Light Up for release on 4th April...
Johnny Marr @ Gibson Garage London (Press)

Gibson Partners With Johnny Marr To Create Gibson ‘84 Les Paul Standard With Bigsby Guitars

For over 130 years, Gibson the iconic and leading instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of...
Somebody's Child (Jim Fuller)

Somebody’s Child Share ‘Irish Goodbye’ Ahead Of Sophomore LP

Irish rockers Somebody’s Child have dropped their third single Irish Goodbye from their forthcoming second record When Youth Fades Away, set for release on March 28th via Frenchkiss Records. The new tune follows the singles Time Of My Life and Last Night I Held Your Hand. There’s a palpably growing excitement for March 28th’s When Youth Fades Away!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing