A town centre music venue and educational space has one month to turn its luck around and be saved from closure.

In February, the non-profit organisation The Music Hub Kent in Bank Street, launched a cash and volunteer appeal to help continue offering their services.

The venue offers music courses to people from all walks of life, and its facilities include a live music venue with capacity for 70 people and a fully licensed bar.

Video: #savetheattic

But now its very much last chance saloon for the educational space, who are struggling financially.

Co-director and teacher Emma Plummer, 30, said: “We’ve had some new projects join us but recently, due to increasing rates and rent, we’re in a bit of a sticky situation when it comes to being able to pay those to keep the venue open.

“For Ashford it means that it loses one of the biggest community spaces known and the only music venue.

“You have pubs and bars that all have live music but they’re cover bands. Everyone who comes through this door is original and most are local. There’s no music education anymore either.”

Ms Plummer gave up her job of 12 years to join the space: “I don’t take a penny now in exchange to keep this place up and running.

“These kids didn’t just come to us to learn music. They came to us because they don’t fit college or school education.”

One of Emma’s students Jack Bevan, 17, said: “This place is special. Everyone says it. It’s a hidden gem... but we don’t want it to be a secret anymore.

“It’s a sinking ship really - that’s what it feels like at the moment. It’s so sad to see. That’s why we need that support. If we can keep this place going, the possibilities are endless.”

At a mere age of 17, Jack has now signed and began managing his own band because of the venue: “It’s completely changed my career prospects. I can now sound engineer and make music.”

The venue has no age restriction due to its licensing, and has been used for a series of different events. The youngest visitor to date has been three years old and the volunteers pride themselves on the family environment. The venue currently has bands booked until October.

Ms Plummer said the funds will help clear costs putting them in a better position going forward: “We have a month and half to raise £2,500 and it will pay all of our rent off that we are currently in arrears with and clear our rates and basic bills for gas and electric.

“If more is raised it will go back into the organisation and advertising.”

If you can help with donations, including money and kit, visit The Attic Ashford Facebook page to get in touch with Emma.

Or visit their Crowdfunder and share online using the hashtag #savetheattic.

You can also attend shows and pay on the door for £3.