Some 20 months ago, Gravesend’s sole music shop opened under new management with the renewed aim of becoming the community home for drummers, guitarists and other rockers.

Rob Sherwood and Dennis Halberg’s shared love of music had already seen them form their own band, Moriarty and the Negative Waves, and it was that same passion which saw them save the store from extinction as its former owner prepared to shut it for good.

Now it is not only the go-to place in Gravesend to buy a new instrument, but it also offers rehearsal and teaching facilities.

Musicians of all ages come by the shop in Harmer Street every week to hone their talents and it is this community engagement that has led to perhaps its most exciting development yet, with Elephant Music set to take on a major role at this year’s Riverside Festival.

“When it came to the opening of the clock tower earlier this year, the council came round and asked local businesses if they wanted to get involved in some way and we said we would do some live music,” explained Mr Halberg.

“On the night we went out with a couple of guitars and a cajon, which is like a drum that you sit on, and sang some songs while they were opening the clock tower.

“They then got in touch to ask if we would like to get some bands to play at the Riverside Festival, so we’ve got a bunch of local bands together.”

Elephant Music will be running the Band Stand at the festival on Saturday, July 22, but that is not all the owners are preparing for at the moment.

They have a charity gig for the ellenor hospice at The Rum Puncheon in West Street, this Saturday (June 17) and also host three jam nights each month – at The Rum Puncheon, The Millers Cottage in Shrubbery Road and Spots and Stripes Pool Club in New Road.

Mr Halberg continued: “This place has changed so much since it opened.

“When we opened we seriously wanted to become a community hub for music, not just a shop, and less than two years down the line I think we are achieving that goal.

“We really want to promote live music and make people aware that there are great live bands playing at pubs and other venues in the town and if they go out and see them these places will continue to thrive and survive.

“Hopefully then there’s an avenue for younger people to play live music locally and keep it going into the future.”

You can book lessons and order items from the store online at elephantmusicstore.com, or call 01474 534436

This year’s Riverside Festival line-up includes S Club Party, Big Brovaz and Booty Luv.

The festival, organised by Gravesham council, is the summer highlight in the council’s calendar and is expected to attract more than 10,000 people.

There will be lots in store for all the family throughout the day at Gordon Promenade and the adjoining Fort Gardens and it will culminate in headliners S Club Party taking to the stage with some of their top 10 hits Never Had a Dream Come True, Reach, Bring it all Back and Don’t Stop Movin.

Local band Chaps will also be a key part of the festival, with their urban, dance and pop covers.

The festival will start at 11am and run through to 7.30pm. It will also feature a traditional summer fair in Fort Gardens, food stalls and fairground.

This year will also have a sports green where you can try different activities and meet local sports clubs.