by Chris Hunter

chunter@thekmgroup.co.uk

Maidstone will be treated to hundreds more live gigs throughout the summer.

The Maidstone Fringe Festival in May will see pubs, restaurants and clubs across the town host more than a hundred acts in a week-long celebration of live music from Thursday, May 2, to Monday, May 6.

But music fans can expect more live entertainment throughout the coming months.

Central to the festival will be organiser Zoe Sparkle's own venue The Rafters in the lower High Street, which has become a magnet for music fans since launching last year.

She anticipates holding more gigs and hopes to attract big name bands as they warm up for future tours.

Read more in this week's Kent Messenger.

Upcoming gigs at The Rafters:

Saturday, March 8
Sail on, Dirty Perks, Alex Taylor
Saturday, March 16
Houdini, Melrose, Up for the Letdown
Saturday, March 23
Wildfowl, Tres Camaradas
Saturday, March 30
Cellar Doors, Youthblood, Es Muss Sein

Every Wednesday until the end of April: Battle of the bands competition for local bands.

Fringe Festival gigs include:
Thursday May 2 - £8
Nicky Moores Blues Corporation (Singer from Mammoth and Samson for 80’s fame!)
Rosco Levee
Friday May 3 - £5
Coco & the Butterfields
Eric Ness
The Flowing
Saturday May 4 - £5
Slytones
White Bone Rattle
Violet Jive
Sunday May 6 - £4, Metal Festival:
Bury the Hatchet
Sincerity
Dead Reckoning
Then the wave came
Mantora
Artemis Redeemer