Music magazine gives The Forum its industry award… 10 years late
A Best Small Venue award, given to The Forum by one of the leading authorities in the music industry, NME, has finally arrived…a decade after it was won. The Tunbridge Wells-based music venue won its NME Award in 2012, but somehow the statuette was ‘mislaid’. Now re-made, the bronze statuette of a fist with its middle finger extended, will find a place in the former public convenience, which owner Jason Dorman converted into a musical hub nearly 30 years ago in 1993.
Community event organiser Isobel Dorman told the Times:
“It’s been fabulous to receive our NME Award in 2022, ten years after the awards ceremony. We are really grateful to NME for sending us an even better and engraved award after the original was mislaid!”
At the time of the award, 2012, The Forum was just about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, so the ten-year gap means the statuette will be in place in time for the 30th anniversary. “It’s been rather apt timing,” said Isobel.
“It’s given us pause for thought and reflection on what has happened, changed and progressed over the last decade.
“In that time, we’ve become a Community Interest Company, made extensive improvements to the venue itself and hosted thousands of regional, national and international artists and musicians.
“In 2012, we played host to many international and national artists who were – at that time – playing small, grassroots venues, who have gone on to become household names like Warpaint, Jack Savoretti and Foals… plus bands who continue to play The Forum, like The Wedding Present, Dreadzone and Dodgy.” Looking to the future, The Forum’s Stable Showcase Summer sessions are now on, giving the stage to new artists from Kent and East Sussex.
“From the venue’s perspective, it’s a perfect way for us to meet new artists,” said Isobel. “Many previous Stable bands have gone on to play regular shows, including major support slots and even their own headline shows.”
On Stage & Screen
This weekend [July 1-3] Trinity Theatre is dedicated to all things Shakespeare and want you to enjoy more for less. Buy a ticket for any two events and get 25 per cent off, using code BardWeekend. Pick from ‘Bard in the Yard’, ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.
The Luna Cinema is set to transform the grounds of Tonbridge Castle this weekend [July 1-3] into an impressive open-air film night showcasing a superb line-up of movie classics. For a unique experience on a giant screen, visit the medieval castle on July 1 for a 9:15pm screening of Rocketman – a cinematic masterpiece that tells the epic musical story of one of the most iconic figures in pop history, Elton John.
If you’re feeling a little more romantic, book the July 3 screening at 9:15pm where Brit bookshop owner [Hugh Grant] and Hollywood movie star [Julia Roberts] fall in love as they deliver one of our all-time favourite romantic comedies, Notting Hill.
Going Live
On July 1, The Childrensalon Foundation presents ‘Night at the Museum’ in aid of Porridge and Pens. From 7-11 pm, the foundation will be hosting a fundraising evening in the newly opened Amelia Scott centre. Expect an evening of food, drinks and live music where guests can try their luck at casino tables, peruse the charity pop-up shop and take part in the live auction and raffle. Tickets are £45 and all profits will go to Porridge & Pens to fund a new Girl Power centre in Ghana which will help vulnerable girls gain an education and become independent.
Westlife have announced The Wild Dreams Tour with shows running throughout summer and winter 2022 and this Friday [July 1] they are coming to Tonbridge. As one of the UK’s biggest-selling groups of the 21st century, the global pop kings will be kicking off their tour at local Kent venue Hop Farm as they perform all their greatest hits along with chart-topping pop anthems. Described as a “once in a lifetime event”, this show is not to be missed.
Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival returns! Between July 4-17 both up and coming and established acts will perform live across a variety of locations throughout town. Participating venues include traditional theatres and hotels to more quirky and unique settings. The exciting schedule includes the likes of Arty Farty’s mini puppet making and Glamazon Prime’s laugh-out-loud comedy show plus many, many more.
From 8-10 July the UK’s biggest celebration of food and music makes a comeback. Pub in the Park will bring delicious food, banging live music, and tasty drinks to Dunorlan Park throughout the three-day festival. Expect a line-up of chart-topping music including singers Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Melanie C, paired with mouth-watering dishes served by 39 award-winning restaurants. And if that wasn’t enough, the Live & Cooking zone will take centre stage.
Family Fun
Today [June 29] charitable organisation Carers Stepping Out, are at Bewl Water ready for The Big Step Out at 10am. The non-profit frequently organises scenic, sociable and rejuvenating walks like The Big Step Out, to unpaid home carers and those they care for. The walks aim to promote mental health and reduce loneliness as well as connect people through nature, exercise, laughter and cake. Today, the location at Bewl Water offers magnificent views and tranquillity whilst allowing participants to foster new friendships and strengthen bonds within the local community.
Perfect for the kids, Dinosaur World Live’s roar-some adventure comes direct from the West End and offers an entertaining and educational performance that will delight the whole family. Explore the world of pre-historic creatures through stunning puppetry that brings remarkably life-like dinosaurs to stage. With one successful showing yesterday proving popular with its audience, DWL Productions are ready to perform yet again tonight [June 29] at 4:30pm at the Assembly Hall Theatre. So, grab your compass and your map and get ready for an evening of mind-expanding adventure. And for the braver explorers, expect a special meet and greet that will take place after the show.
The Langton Green Village Fete is set to make a comeback this Saturday [July 2] after a two-year pandemic set back between 12-5 pm on The Green. This year, the annual celebration will be jubilee themed, and locals can expect a fun-fuelled schedule the whole family will love. Expect musical entertainment, an infamous dog show and a selection of delicious food carefully curated for preferences of all kinds. And don’t forget to make a pit stop at the Pimm’s and Fizz bars as well as the tea tent where you can indulge in a selection of sweet treats provided by the fabulous local bakers of the village.
For an afternoon of all things vintage, why not visit the Summer Vintage Fair at Chiddingstone Castle this Sunday [July 3]?
