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Bands Marylebone Jelly and Marvellous Mo to bring you music in your motor at Sittingbourne

Fancy listening to live music in your motor?

Swale's first drive-in dance night is revving up to hit the road near the Kent Science Park in Sittingbourne thanks to local bands Marylebone Jelly and Marvellous Mo and the Backline Ferrets.

Marvellous Mo and the Backline Ferrets at Iwade Rocks
Marvellous Mo and the Backline Ferrets at Iwade Rocks

They will be performing outside at The Woodstock in Broadoak Road on Saturday, September 19, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.

Marvellous Mo's lead singer Maurice 'Mo' Dunk, who is chairman of Sittingbourne FC, said: "It is this year's only local festival and is fully Covid-19 compliant. You can dance next to your car in your own 'bubble' and be socially distanced."

The cost is £40 per vehicle and includes up to five people.

Revellers are encouraged to take their own soft drinks and cold snacks but there will be a licensed bar and hot-food vendors at the site.

Stage, sound and lighting is being provided by Triple A Events and security is by Akon. To book call 07730 412278.

Ed Austin of Sittingbourne band Marylebone Jelly
Ed Austin of Sittingbourne band Marylebone Jelly

The news comes as performers are once again getting pub bookings.

The Criterion Theatre in Blue Town, Sheerness , has also reopened after being dark during the coronavirus lockdown although its capacity has been halved.

Its first film will be Judy on Friday, September 4 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm. Renée Zellweger stars as Judy Garland who is reminiscing with friends and fans at London's Talk of the Town nightclub 30 years after starring in the Wizard of Oz. Tickets must be booked in advance on 01795 662982.

The first live show is Giants of Jazz by the New Foxtrot Serenaders on October 17 followed by a Cockney sing-along, Elvis band Taking Care of Vegas, a murder mystery and a Buddy Holly tribute.

Director Jenny Hurkett said: "What started off as just making sure the venue was Covid-19 compliant has developed into a complete revamp of the centre. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone soon."

Director Jenny Hurkett at the Criterion Theatre, Sheerness
Director Jenny Hurkett at the Criterion Theatre, Sheerness

The tea room and bar have been merged to cope with socially-distanced customers.

Bit it's not all good news on the leisure front.

All the remaining live shows booked for the Oasis Academy Theatre in Sheerness by the team behind Islefest have bitten the dust.

Spokesman Paul Rogers said: "It is with regret we have to announce that the Michael Jackson tribute on Saturday, September 26, the Abba show on Saturday November 28 and the family panto on Saturday, December 12 have been cancelled."

The plug was pulled because the Oasis Academy is not allowing any visitors or hirers onto its two sites to safeguard staff and pupils and won't be reviewing the situation until after the October half-term holiday.

Happier days: Paul Rogers at last year's Isle Fest on the Isle of Sheppey
Happier days: Paul Rogers at last year's Isle Fest on the Isle of Sheppey

Mr Rogers said: "Whilst this is bitterly disappointing we totally understand the reasons for this.

"With ever-changing government regulations about indoor events and entertainment, socially-distanced and reduced audience numbers and a further announcement from the government about theatres not expected until early November, this sadly doesn’t give us enough time to ensure our events are viable to go ahead."

Those who have already bought tickets can get refunds at Sheppey United's ground in Queenborough Road, Halfway, on Friday, September 4, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Mr Rogers added: "That means all of this year's events have been cancelled. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support, patience and understanding."

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne here

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey here

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