Tour of Folkestone's music scene

By Andrew Parry
BBC Blast Music Reporter

Folkestone is generating some really exciting young bands, and with a handful of venues to support it, things are looking lively.

Elephants are one Folkestone band in particular who are making good headway into the olde music business. I spoke to Tom and Dean, half of Elephants, at a gig at the Stripes Club near Harvey Grammar School with fellow Folkestone bands AEF and More Than Normal in July 2009.

Elephants are an extremely talented bunch, and their ultra-catchy Lions EP has nestled into a seemingly permanent place in my car stereo since their Stripes Club performance. Expect big things from this lot (if playing at Radio One's Big Weekend in Swindon in May 2009 and being played on Radio One countless times aren't big enough for you).

MySpace: Elephants

MySpace: More Than Normal

Seven Story Down playing in Folkestone

March 2009 saw the opening of Quarter House in Folkestone town centre, a brand spanking new venue that is fit for musical kings. I spoke to Roberta Spicer, the Festivals and Programming Manager, about her work with the Creative Foundation at Quarterhouse.

Quarterhouse

The start of August 2009 saw the first Hevy Festival, on Folkestone harbour, with massive names such as Ash and Feeder headlining the bill. But Folkestone is no stranger to big acts, with the ever popular Leas Cliff Hall still in full operation.

Hevy Festival

The music scene in Folkestone is extremely exciting. To see this passion for live music in the fans and bands, as well as the venue owners and promoters, is a delight.