Live Music in Kent Since 2015

About The Archive

Rockin' Roots Events has been bringing world-class blues, rock, roots and soul to live music fans across Kent since October 2015. What started as a small club night under the name Bourne To The Blues at the Ypres Tavern in Sittingbourne has grown into one of the most respected independent live music promotions in the South East — staging touring acts for more than a decade, at venues ranging from intimate 100-capacity rooms to 250-capacity flagship stages and up to 600-capacity venues.

The early years were rooted firmly in Sittingbourne, building a loyal audience on a diet of hard blues, British rock and American roots music. As the audience grew, so did the ambition. The Appleyard became the main home from 2020 until the venue closed at the end of 2025 — a proper live music venue that allowed RRE to bring bigger names and longer bills, culminating in the annual BourneFest all-dayer, which was headlined by artists including Xander & The Peace Pirates, Elles Bailey, Aynsley Lister, Laurence Jones, Blood Brothers Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia, Albert Cummings and Ally Venable Band.

Since 2023 the operation has expanded significantly beyond Sittingbourne, with regular shows now staged at the Old Brewery Store in Faversham, The Oast in Rainham, and Bromley Little Theatre through the co-promoted Bromley Blues Club. Each venue brings its own character and audience — and together they represent a genuine circuit of live music nights across Kent that fans can follow throughout the year.

This archive documents every artist who has appeared on an RRE-promoted bill — headliners, co-headliners and support acts alike. From household names in the blues world to breakthrough British artists at the start of their careers, the list includes every act we've booked since 2015 and grows with every new show.

Our Kent Venues

Old Brewery Store, Faversham — Our flagship venue since 2023. A stunning 250-capacity space in the heart of Faversham with superb acoustics and a proper stage. Home to some of our biggest shows including GA-20, Robert Finley, Ana Popovic, Bywater Call, The Commoners and Aynsley Lister. See all upcoming live music in Faversham.

The Appleyard, Sittingbourne — The spiritual heart of Rockin' Roots Events. We first brought shows here in 2018, it became our main home from 2020, and it was where BourneFest lived until the venue closed at the end of 2025. An intimate, atmospheric room that punched well above its weight for the quality of artists it attracted.

The Oast, Rainham — A fantastic Medway venue that, with the ground floor 100-capacity room, started with a sold out show and is attracting a buzz from the local audience. See all upcoming live music in Medway and Kent.

Bromley Blues Club — Co-promoted with Oli Mississippi MacDonald at Bromley Little Theatre, the Bromley Blues Club has become a firm fixture in the South London and North Kent live music calendar. A seated venue with a theatre feel and a crowd that knows its blues.

Beyond these regular venues, Rockin' Roots Events has also promoted shows at the Old Dairy Taproom in Tenterden, East Quay Venue in Whitstable, King's Hall in Herne Bay, Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse, and various special one-off locations — reflecting a commitment to bringing live music to communities across the whole of Kent and beyond.

The Music

Blues, rock, roots and soul — with a bias toward the real thing. Rockin' Roots Events has always favoured artists who play with conviction and craft over trend or fashion. That means American blues legends on UK tour alongside the best of British talent, emerging artists given room to grow alongside established international names. If it moves you, if it has depth and soul, it has a home on an RRE stage.