The Blues came calling first, but rock was always waiting around the corner. Well it would be, wouldn’t it? Coming from the deep south, it was inevitable, but living in the deep south of a major Yorkshire City, there’s a gritty hard edge to life! ​ A female guitar prodigy, Chantel was told by a major label that she had a "great voice, but girls don't play guitar like that!" Wisely ignoring their comments, she enrolled at the Leeds College of Music and became the first student in the college’s history, to achieve a 100% pass mark at BTEC, with 18 distinctions. Chantel then pursued further education and left with a First Class Honours degree in Popular Music and a coveted prize, the college’s musician of the year award. ​ Chantel released her highly anticipated second album, Lose Control, in October 2015 on her independent boutique label Tis Rock Music, this being the follow up to her critically acclaimed 2011 debut album, Like No Other.

After a number of successful top-twenty singles in the UK, the band went on to score unprecedented international success with the release of the classic ‘Nightbirds” recording and the title track has now become a standard in the popular music repertoire. This success was repeated with the top-ten hit “Down on the Street and the award-winning video established the band’s personnel of Jill Saward(lead vocs), Bill Sharpe(keys),Keith Winter(gtr), George Anderson(bass) and Roger Odell(drums). With the magic Al Jarreau/Shakatak combination,the group went on to record the track ‘Day by Day’ to further international acclaim. Along with this successful recording career, Shakatak had firmly established themselves as a vibrant live act, combining astute musicianship with a sense of fun that communicated strongly with world-wide audiences. Their performance in Japan’s Budoken Hall won them a Silver Award at the Tokyo International Song Festival-other awards include the “Best Instrumental Album’ for 6 consecutive years-and other live concerts of note have been the East meets the West Border Concert at the time of German re-unificationin 1989 and the open air concert in Cape Town for the Millennium Celebrations 2000 where they played in front of 250,000 people.Shakatak have enjoyed a level of success and career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music – but then Shakatak is a particularly unusual group. Because of the nature of their music, their fan base is one that is far reaching while always retaining an ‘underground element’. This paradox sees the band, who are known primarily as serious jazz/funk musicians, enjoying both high ‘cult’ status and instant recognition as a household name.

The Anti Nowhere League started up in 1980 in Royal Tunbridge Wells. They released their debut single 'Streets of London' b/w 'So What' in 1981. The single reached number 48 in the UK charts and would have probably got higher had it not been seized by the Police's Obscenity Squad due to the profanity-laden b-side. 'So What' has since become the band´s anthem and has been covered by Metallica who play the track regularly to this day in concert. This was followed up by their seminal debut album 'We are...the League' in 1982 on WXYZ Records. This was followed by their 'Live in Yugoslavia' album but the band has split by the end of the 1980's. Since reforming the band have released some incredible albums such as 'The Horse is Dead', 'Out Of Control', 'The Road to Rampton' and more. In 2017 the Anti-Nowhere League have released their latest album ´´League Style ( Loosen Up )' which includes their own unique take on classi Ska & Reggae tunes such as 'Long Shot Kick De Bucket', 'Johnny Too Bad', 'Suzanne Beware of the Devil' and more.

The Luke Combs Experience. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with amazing music and good vibes as we welcome the UKs best tribute band to country superstar Luke Combs. Get ready to sing along to all your favourite hits and experience the magic of live music.

Fronted by Buster Bloodvessel (born Douglas Trendle), the band was formed in 1976 while the members were at school together, and among their early incarnations were known as Stoop Solo and the Sheet Starchers. None of the members had any formal musical training, not even the ability to play any instruments. They were popular during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period when lots of similar ska bands filled the charts. Some of their hits include 'My Girl Lollipop', 'Lip Up Fatty', 'Special Brew' and 'Ne-Ne-Na-Na-Na-Na-Nu-Nu'. One of the main reasons for their notoriety was because of their outlandish, larger-than-life, huge-tongued & shaven-headed front man. Buster´s exploits got them banned from the British TV chart show Top of the Pops (which included dressing as Henry VIII and singing to a blow-up doll for the song 'Lorraine', pouring a large can of baked beans over his head, and dressing in a can-can dancer´s dress to promote their single 'Can-Can').

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of "Evacuate" by playing it in its entirety + more Chelsea classics! This ticket price includes a £1 venue restoration levy.

An INTIMATE evening of live music with blues artist of the year alice armstrong and her band Alice Armstrong performs a powerful, unique blend of modern Blues, Funk, Soul and Rock n’ Roll. Backed by a world-class band, her shows are often described as a ‘party’ by fans and the press. Combined with a breathtaking vocal range and captivating stage presence, Armstrong covers a variety of themes that resonate with people from all walks of life, and performs each show like it’s her last, leaving the audience laughing, crying, and dancing all the way home. Having found a passionate and supportive fanbase within the UK and European Blues scene, Armstrong was voted by the public as the UK Contemporary Artist of the Year for consecutive years at both the 2024 and 2025 UK Blues Awards, also winning the UK Blues Challenge in 2024. After appearing live on the BBC Radio 2 Blues show with Cerys Matthews, her music regularly features on the station’s playlist, as well as in the Independent Blues Broadcasters Association’s Most Played list. Armstrong is also a regular addition to Joe Bonamassa’s Spotify playlists and performed aboard his legendary Mediterranean Blues Cruise III.

British dance-rock quintet EMF formed in Cinderford, England in October 1989. All five original members were veterans of the local music scene before founding EMF, whose name supposedly stood for Epsom Mad Funkers" (although it was widely speculated that the initials instead represented "Ecstasy Mother Fckers"). Within two months of formation, the group played its first gig; after unearthing a Casio sampler and sequencer in a local thrift shop, a light techno element was added to their rock-oriented sound.

Hammerdown comes home; Sussex's leading rock and metal festival returns to the factory live with the biggest lineup to date! Hammerdown Festival returns to The Factory Live in 2026 with the biggest lineup to date; celebrating 10 years of the biggest Rock and Metal festival in Sussex! Get your early bird tickets at the very best price as this will sell out in advance! Announced lineup so far: Acid Reign // a New Tomorrow // Black Lakes // Buried in Bermuda // Catalysis // Crooked Shapes // King Kraken // Night Thieves // Praying Mantis // Seething Akira // Premier Jester // Stone Angels // Wrex

One tempestuous weekend in March 1979 was not only the date of the Three Mile Island nuclear incident, but also, in Birmingham, England, the very first show by a nascent band known as The Beat.

Much-loved Altered Images, fronted by singer Clare Grogan, had four UK Top 20 hits between 1981 and 1983, including the singles “Happy Birthday” and “I Could Be Happy”, as well as three Top 30 albums. At the same time as finding fame with Altered Images, Clare Grogan also appeared in the 1981 film Gregory's Girl. She has also acted in Red Dwarf, EastEnders, Father Ted, and Skins. In recent years she has also become a presenter on UK television as well as a children's novelist.

Although Laurence doesn’t need too much of an introduction in the music business, for those that haven’t had the chance to see him yet, it’s well worth sharing a thing or two about this artist! He sings, he plays and he writes -- a triple craft -- and he does so like a veteran twice his age, but absolutely no ego and with both feet firmly on the ground! Hailed as 'one to watch' as a teenager by the blues media, concert/festival bookers, blues fans and various guitar stars alike, young Laurence really has come of age. The blues cub has become a man with a plan, turning heads and making jaws drop with his take-no-prisoners, incendiary live set and stunning records. Laurence and his crack band -- Jones on vocals and guitars, Roger Inniss on bass and Phil Wilson on drums -- put the power into power trio, with their modern day blues rock with an edge.

English singer-songwriter and musician, formerly of Wolfsbane and Iron Maiden.

tAngerinecAt is a British duo whose powerful sonic rituals merge shamanic industrial electronics, dark jazz, folk, post metal, overtone singing, and evocative spoken word into a visceral, genre-defying experience. Formed by Ukrainian-born producer, sound artist, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Zhenia Purpurovsky and British sound artist Paul Chilton, the project is driven by a fierce anti-war, anti-fascist, and anti-ecocide ethos and a deep commitment to artistic innovation.

Lloyd Banks has been a standout in the hip-hop scene for years. He's known for his hard-hitting verses, thoughtful lyrics, and infectious hooks, and he's collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.

Hailing from the heart of Birmingham, this powerhouse 3-piece band unleashes a seismic fusion of Riff based Melodic Blues Rock, crafted from a reservoir of iconic influences. Fronted by a mesmerizing vocalist, Blue Nation's songs are delivered with soul and passion, showcasing the remarkable talents of three accomplished musicians who have mastered their craft.

Straight-up lyrics, pounding bass lines, lilting mandolin and fiddle melodies and stomping beats, Man The Lifeboats have cultivated a sound that would not be out of place at a party at the end of the world. Influences Well, up there with Skinny Lister and Holy Moly & the Crackers, we have the Pogues, Bellowhead, Tom Waits, Dylan, Springsteen, Kate Bush, Frank Turner, Manu Chao, and of course, Chic. Throw all that in a cauldron and you end up with a blistering live experience, tales of lost evenings, ballads of doomed love and shanties about whisky-soaked nights, Michael Palin, and the end of the world.

Hip-hop trailblazers Arrested Development have been cultural champions of consciousness and empowerment across the planet. Their representation of eclectic and vibrant African sounds and clothing has produced a unique clash of rhythms and style that continue to contrast the expected look and sound of Hip-hop culture.

Indie-rock outfit from Liverpool who hit the charts in the mid-90s with the quirky 'Female of the Species' and 'The Ballad of Tom Jones'.

Featuring original founding members Ray Stiles and Rob Davis, were thrilled to be welcoming iconic glam rock band MUD back to Worthing, where theyll be performing their number one hit Lonely This Christmas as well as other major tracks Tiger Feet, Dyna-Mite, Oh Boy and many more! After 40 years the current band have played just a few selected bespoke shows, and now return to The Factory Live for a one off Christmas gig in Worthing! Ray Stiles has been a member of the legendary Hollies for the past 31 years and produced their last two studio albums. Grammy award-winning guitarist Rob Davis has enjoyed life as a legendary songwriter, having penned hits such as Cant Get You Out of My Head for Kylie Minogue, Groovejet for Sophie Ellis Bextor, I Need a Miracle for Coco Star and Tocas Miracle for Fragma. Pete Phipps, drums, was an original founding member of The Glitter Band (The Glittermen) and since then has worked on albums with XTC, The Eurythmics with Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, Lawrence Hayward's post-Felt band Denim and Liquid Gold. Keith Read, guitar, and a long time friend, was originally in a band called the Wild Angels, a fearsome, true greaser rock nroll band of the early 60s. Though times have moved on, the band wholesomely retains the fun of the original Mud whilst faithfully recreating their hits of the 70s. SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Formed in 1977 to promote Ian Durys’ album ‘New Boots and Panties’ on the first Stiff Records tour of the U.K. Chaz Jankel, Norman Watt-Roy, Charlie Charles, John Turnbull and Mick Gallagher became known as ‘The Blockheads’ (a reference to a song on Ian’s album). As ‘Ian Dury & The Blockheads’ they went back out on tour, this time without Chaz Jankel, and in 1978 released ‘What a Waste’ a single that reached number five in the U.K. charts. They were then joined by saxophonist Davey Payne and toured the U.S.A supporting Lou Reed across North America ending with their own dates in California (with backline roadie Pete Rush) In late 1978 Chaz returned to the fold and composed ‘Hit me with your Rhythm Stick’ with Ian. The band recorded it in The Workhouse Studios, Old Kent Road, London and in 1979 had a number one hit record with it in the U.K. Ian Dury & The Blockheads went on to record the ‘Do it Yourself’ album and toured Europe and the U.K. recording ‘Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3’ in Rome. Released as a single in late 1979 it reached number three in the U.K. charts. In 1980 Chaz, once again, left the band to pursue solo projects in California and Wilko Johnson joined Ian, Norman, Johnny, Charlie, Mickey and Davey to record and release a third album for Stiff Records called ‘Laughter’ and released ‘I Want to be Straight’ and ‘Supermans Big Sister’ as singles. They toured throughout 1981 in the U.K and Europe, sometimes augmented by Don Cherry on trumpet, ending the year with a tour of Australia. In 1982 Ian Dury & The Blockheads disbanded and were not to play together again until 1987 when they went out to Japan in June to play three shows in four days, disbanding again until 1990 when the death of Charlie Charles in September of that year re-united them to play two Benefit gigs in aid of Charlies’ family. Chaz returned from America and Steven Monti picked up the drumsticks for the hottest ticket in town. The band, now augmented by Merlin Rhys-Jones on guitar and Will Parnell on percussion, recorded a live album ‘Warts & Audience’ in December 1990. Chaz returned to California and the band toured Spain in January 1991. Once again the band stopped working until August 1994 when, with the return to England of Chaz, the band were invited to play the Madstock Festival in Finsbury Park in August which led to a series of hit and run gigs in Europe, Ireland, the U.K.and Japan throughout the rest of 1994 and 1995. In March 1996 Ian was diagnosed with cancer and, after recovering from an operation, was determined to write another album.

The Total Stone Roses play the best 'Roses material including 'She Bangs The Drums', 'Fools Gold', 'Waterfall, 'I Wanna Be Adored' and 'Love Spreads'. You will not find a better sound-a-like band this side of 1989!

Curved Air is a unique band, synthesising an eclectic blend of musical styles into an instantly identifiable sound. Their hits include 'It Happened Today', 'Vivaldi', 'Marie Antoinette', and the jukebox classic, 'Backstreet Luv'. Curved Air founder members vocalist Sonja Kristina and drummer Florian Pilkington-Miksa lead a skilled and talented new line-up bringing their unique music to an existing and new fan base in the 21st Century. Curved Air's concerts and festival appearances continue to thrill a steadily increasing mass of new and old fans worldwide. Their experimental blends of classical themes, electronic sounds and pop/rock energy and beautiful, timeless songs are performed with fire and passion and tremendous musicianship. Considered (according to AllMusic) one of the most dramatically accomplished of all the bands lumped into Britain's late-1960s prog explosion, Curved Air is a pioneering British progressive rock group of musicians from mixed artistic backgrounds. They are famed for their unforgettable live performances and 'Art Rock' music the quasi-classical imprints of Terry Riley hooked onto beautiful and demonic violin combined with electronic adventurous synths and interwoven with brilliant guitar wizardry mesmerisingly embroidered by the subliminal and exotic presence of a unique lead singer Sonja Kristina. All these elements elevated them from the underground Roundhouse scene to top the album charts in the early 1970s. On 12th November 2012, much to the excitement of their fans and press worldwide, a Live CD/DVD titled Live Atmosphere was released Songs of revolution, insanity, loss, desire and ghosts: a unique compilation of powerful Curved Air songs played by a vital contemporary Curved Air. This was followed by the release of North Star, the band's first album of new material in thirty-six years. CURVED AIR, with a real band attitude and a zest for life; this is a band you want to see live for the sheer artistry of how to deliver the musical goods. (Lee Dorian, Classic Rock) All of the players impress some stunning new instrumentalists who immerse the audience in a set of swirling, whirling solos that emphasize moods and nuances and floating waves of sound that act as a counterpoint to Sonja's dramatic sense of theatricality. (Classic Rock Society magazine) Sonja Kristina prowls the front of the stage expertly playing off the energy of all the performers with her. Violinist Paul Sax pulling sounds from his instrument like a mad scientist. There's no denying they remain formidable live! (Prog magazine) While women in UK progressive rock were relatively few and far between its Sonja that wore the crown. Well the undisputed queen of British Prog is on tour again and what a joy it is to see her and Curved Air back in action. Violinist Paul Sax sweats for his art right from the off and with virtuoso wizardry sears through the set like a man possessed. The whole group of assembled musicians are perfectly qualified to recreate the band's uniqueness authentically. Catch them while you can. (Classic Rock)

Tom Hingley (ex Inspiral carpets) and musicians perform songs from Tom's new solo album The Grand Mal.

British rock band originally formed by members of the Crazy World of Arthur Brown.

Harry Cambridge is an extraordinarily talented soul singer with an electrifying stage presence that has captivated audiences across the UK and around the world. With a style that combines passion, soulfulness, and showmanship, Harry has earned a reputation as one of the most engaging and likeable performers in the industry. Harry's Luther Live tour, which has sold out large venues around the country for the past four years, is widely acclaimed as the highest-rated show in the UK. Harry's smooth, silky voice and exceptional tribute to songs and talent of Luther Vandross have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. He regularly shares the stage with some of the all-time greats in Soul and Motown music, and his solo act includes hit songs from Earth Wind and Fire, The Four Tops, and other legends. With his impressive talent and magnetic stage presence, Harry Cambridge is a true superstar of soul music.

An evening with frontman of the Happy Mondays. This is a fascinating insight into life in one of the UK's most loved bands. Shaun Ryder is from Salford, Greater Manchester, where in 1980 he formed Happy Mondays. The band signed to Factory Records and their releases included the two classic albums 'Bummed' in 1988 followed by 'Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches' in 1990. Later Shaun started Black Grape releasing the album 'It's Great When You're Straight.. Yeah'. Following his achievements with both bands he received the 'Godlike Genius Award' from NME in 2000. Shaun also moved into TV taking part in the tenth series of the TV show 'I'm a Celebrity.. Get Me Out Of Here!' in 2010 where he was runner up. He also went on to have his own TV programme 'Shaun Ryder on UFOs' on The History Channel in 2013. Shaun has recently been a guest on several TV shows including 'Room 101' with Frank Skinner, 'Stars and Their Cars' with Paddy McGuinness, 'The Chase: Celebrity Special' with Bradley Walsh, 'Sam Delaney's News Thing, This Morning and 'Big Star's Little Star'.

Global music legends, multi-platinum selling artists, Grammy Hall of Fame, Walk of Fame inductees and one of the most successful iconic music acts of all time: The Sugar Hill Gang has been at the forefront of some of the most ground-breaking trends and movements in modern pop culture. Rappers Delight is regarded as one of the most recognisable songs in the world. With over 12 million units sold, the group not only scored the very first Hip Hop song but the biggest selling Hip Hop record of all time. It became one of the biggest songs in music history and their self-titled debut album was also Hip Hops first full-length album. 8th Wonder and Apache/Jump on it bring on the modern dance craze with over 160 million streams and sold out concerts around the world. The Furious Five, previously featuring DJ Grandmaster Flash, were hip-hops greatest pioneers, expanding the genres aural and lyrical boundaries beyond its roots in party music. They were the first-ever Hip Hop group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With this unmissable lineup, expect to hear both artists greatest hits performed live including Rappers Delight, Apache/Jump On It, The Message, White Lines and many more.

Since the release of their last CD, 'Into Your Heart' Hothouse Flowers have been playing steadily around Ireland, America, Great Britain, Japan and Europe. Their shows last between two and three hours depending on the level of fever in the room. Most recently their sound has been enhanced and reinvigorated by the return of Peter O’Toole on bass, bouzouki and vocals. Drumming with the band these last ten years is Dave Clarke. Dave has been a drummer in Dublin since the beginning. His commitment to the beat is mesmerizing. His style has been a force in the direction of Hothouse Flowers today. Also playing with the band these days is Dorset man Martin Brunsden on double bass and backing vocals. His musicality adds yet another dimension to the ever evolving sound of the band. There is an unpredictable energy in the band that harkens back to the 'Risk' days. They call upon their grand repertoire to create a show that is unique to the time and place. No two shows are the same. Improvisation can come at any point and allow the men express their brightest and their darkest influences. 'Rock and Roll is not about safety or politeness, it is not about perfection either. It is expression and it is spirit.' Humour is also never far from a Hothouse Flowers night. They do not take themselves seriously however, there is no mistaking the musical integrity among them as they open up to each other in musical dialogue. Fiachna, Liam and Peter are traditional musicians. This allows for moments of ancestral connection. What was a second before a Doors-like workout, becomes an earnest and a timeless offering to the memory of Currachaí na Tra Báine. A song inherited by Fiachna describing the blow inflicted upon a community and a family due to drowning. This moment and moments like these set the Flowers apart from almost any other band of their time and trade. They are carriers of Culture and all of what that entails. Hothouse Flowers came out of tough times. They played the streets and brought the streets to the stages of the world. Individually Fiachna and Liam are enjoying a broadening of their horizons. Fiachna has been producing and presenting radio and television programmes and working as a composer of music for television. Liam has been collaborating with the Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre Company. Still Hothouse Flowers has not yet fulfilled her destiny. The possibilities are endless. The will is there. Ni fada go bhfeicfear.

“They’ve lasted because they are brilliant” Radio 2 Brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane formed Hue and Cry in the ’80s and the duo made a huge impact with the release of their debut album Seduced and Abandoned (1987) which featured their first top ten single Labour of Love. The follow up album Remote continued the trend and produced the huge hits Looking for Linda and Violently. Albums like Stars Crash Down, Showtime and Jazz Not Jazz ensured Hue and Cry’s continued successful run through the ’90s, whilst their 2005 appearances as finalists on ITV’s primetime show Hit Me Baby One More Time, featuring their version of Beyonce’s Crazy In Love, thrust the band firmly back into the mainstream limelight. A number of successful album releases and accompanying live appearances followed which included Open Soul (2008), Xmasday (2009), Bitter Suite Again (2010), Hot Wire (2012), Remote: Major to Minor (2014), September Songs (2015), Pocketful of Stones (2017). To date Hue and Cry have sold in excess of two million records worldwide. In 2019, Hue and Cry sold out their Summer Nights at the Bandstand show at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove park within forty-eight hours and finished the year by playing live all over the UK. With the global pandemic bringing live touring to a halt during 2020/21, Hue and Cry introduced their pioneering Live from Lockdown streaming shows which were broadcast live from the band’s Glasgow based studio and viewed online by thousands of fans around the world. A collection of their favourite tracks from these shows was released as a Best of Lockdown album (2022). Hue and Cry have sold tens of thousands of concert tickets worldwide. As well as performing alongside some of the greatest artists in music history – appearing with U2, James Brown, Madonna, Al Green and Van Morrison to name but a few – the band have undertaken a multitude of their own headline tours and made numerous festival appearances. Hue and Cry were recognised by their peers when they were recently presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Music Awards. The band are currently working on a brand new album and have made a welcome return to performing in front of audiences.

The multi award-winning national treasure Big Narstie has carved his own path through music, TV, entertainment, film and social media over the last decade, winning BAFTAs, RTS Awards, a record number of Urban Music Awards, presenting his own chat show for five successful seasons on national TV, being the "go to" guest for many of the highest rated shows including Michael Mcintyre's The Wheel, Big Fat Quiz, Would I Lie To You, Good Morning Britain, Celebrity Bake Off, and enjoying Top 10 hits with Craig David. His music has had over 150m streams and he has collaborated with Ed Sheeran, Craig David, Nines, Snoop Dogg, Papoose, Robbie Williams, Basement Jaxx and Enter Shikari among others. He has presented his own weekly national radio show on the BBC and as a live performer he has delivered incendiary performances at Wireless, Lovebox, Ibiza Rocks, NASS, Glastonbury, Sidewinder, Eskimo Dance, Fresh Island and Truck. Big Nastie's social media audience is noted for its engagement and his Uncle Pain series was one of the original YouTube breakout series with millions of fans including Ed Sheeran (who appeared) and Justin Bieber. The Big Narstie Show increased youth and BAME viewing by over 150% on Channel 4. All of his success has helped him become one of the most recognised faces in the UK and a bona fide national treasure.

Gong are a progressive rock band that incorporates elements of jazz and space rock into their musical style. The group was formed in Paris in 1967 by Australian musician Daevid Allen and English vocalist Gilli Smyth.

Very few father-son duos in pop music history have been as successful as The Beat's Ranking Roger and Ranking Jnr. Fans around the world watched Ranking Roger - one of the UK's most beloved frontmen - performed the band's worldwide hits with a young Ranking Jnr by his side. Nowadays Ranking Jnr follows in his father's footsteps as the lead singer of the ground-breaking ska-pop outfit behind Mirror in The Bathroom, Too Nice to Talk To and Hands Off... She's Mine and he brings his own distinctive, individual style and sound to the stage.