The festive season is upon us, but that doesn’t mean it’s all pantos and Christmas carols.

There are still some great gigs taking place across the county this December, and we’ve picked our top five to see you through to New Year’s…

Boston Manor, The Forum

Rock band Boston Manor have racked up millions of listeners on Spotify since the release of their first EP back in 2013. Over the years they have toured with the likes of Good Charlotte, A Day to Remember and Neck Deep and their most recent album, Glue, was met with critical acclaim when it was released in 2020. With such an impressive decade behind them, any fan of modern rock should be excited about what the next 10 years will bring, starting with this intimate end-of-year show in Tunbridge Wells.

Fans are being asked to bring a toy or children’s gift to the venue ahead of the gig to donate to DAVSS, a West Kent charity supporting victims of domestic abuse.

When: Saturday, December 10 at The Forum in Tunbridge Wells. Book online here.

Tickets: £21, excluding booking fees.

Saint Leonard, Ramsgate Music Hall

There aren’t many musicians who have had a career quite like Saint Leonard. The singer-songwriter has toured the world with The Libertines, opened for Bob Dylan, played a secret show with Dave Grohl and recorded an album at Stanley Kubrick’s family home, and that’s just to name a few of his highlights. Alongside his many anecdotes, Saint Leonard’s live show will feature his back-catalogue of music, from his debut album Out of Work Astronaut to his 2021 single, Always Night. He will be performing with his band, which includes members from The Klaxons and the Fat White Family.

When: Thursday, December 15 at Ramsgate Music Hall. Book online here.

Tickets: £10, excluding booking fees.

Bad Pandas, Market House

Get into the party mood with an uplifting set from Bad Pandas. The Kent-based covers band make sure there is always something for everyone, from classic rock anthems to toe-tapping pop. Maidstone fans can expect to hear the greatest hits from artists such as Bon Jovi, The Kinks, ABBA and The Weeknd, all delivered with the high-octane energy and a warm, friendly atmosphere that this group have become known for.

When: Friday, December 16 at the Market House in Maidstone. Entry is free, no need to book.

The Marley Experience, Red Lion

Sit back and soak up the reggae vibes as the Marley Experience takes you on a journey through the Jamaican legend’s life and music. This tribute night brings the look, sound and atmosphere of Bob Marley and the Wailers to life, with huge hits such as Could You Be Loved, Jamming and Redemption Song. The show will pay homage to the musician’s culture, songs and legacy with a jam-packed night of Rastafarian reggae.

When: Friday, December 16 at the Red Lion in Gravesend. Book online here.

Tickets: £18, excluding booking fees.

The Skatonics, Booking Hall

This Dover venue is putting on a festive shindig, and fronting the Christmas celebration is The Skatonics. The band, based in and around Sittingbourne, have been performing a combination of classic ska hits and original tunes since 2007 up and down the county. They even have the seal of approval from British ska legends Madness after supporting the band at their Kent Showground gig in 2017. Bring your skanking shoes and a touch of festive spirit for a night of feel-good ska sounds.

When: Friday, December 16 at the Booking Hall in Dover. Book online here.

Tickets: £12.50, excluding booking fees.