Tour of Canterbury's music scene

By Andrew Parry
BBC Blast Music Reporter

Canterbury has a rich musical history, possibly more so than any other town in Kent, but what is exciting is that its musical prowess does not just belong in the past.

A number of cracking venues are popping up in and around Canterbury, with Orange Street Music, Casey's and the Farmhouse to name a few. I spoke to a new young band in Canterbury called Boot Lagoon, who expressed their excitement on the opportunities in Canterbury.

Casey's

Orange Street Music

The Farmhouse

Boot Lagoon is one band of many who are somewhat following in the footsteps of Syd Arthur, a band who arguably have really fired up Canterbury's music scene of late. I managed to catch up with bassist Joel during a recording session in London.

Syd Arthur playing at Lounge on the Farm

Syd Arthur and many other young Canterbury bands have been very lucky to have Lounge on the Farm festival on their doorstep, a festival that as well as drawing in big bands gives the local talent a chance to strut their stuff on the Further stage, organised by Further Productions.

Lounge on the Farm

Canterbury has real potential to be a live music hotspot; it is great to see some really exciting bands, venues and promoters who are all 'reading from the same page'.

I won't claim that cliché as my own: that came from Jamie Stevens, Student Media Manager at the University of Kent, who also runs CSR, the local community radio station in Canterbury.

He is involved in the University of Kent and Canterbury Christchurch University, and alongside Canterbury College, there are thousands of students in Canterbury literally begging for more music, which is now being amply provided for them.