The Forum is Tunbridge Wells's independent 250-capacity music venue, opened in January 1993 inside a former public cold bath on the Common that later served as a public toilet and a brass-rubbing centre. NME voted it Britain's Best Small Venue in 2012, and it has hosted Adele, Coldplay and Mumford & Sons early in their careers. A volunteer-run grassroots room, it books indie, rock, punk and metal touring and local acts with a full in-house PA and sound engineer, and runs a separate 50-capacity Forum Basement for smaller shows.
The Forum Open Mic
Tunbridge Wells Common's wednesday open mic.
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Last updated: 2 June 2026
The Forum Open Mic — Quick Facts
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The ForumTunbridge Wells Common
Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Common, Tunbridge Wells — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
What’s on in Tunbridge Wells this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Forum




About This Open Mic
The Night
The Forum is Tunbridge Wells' beloved independent music venue (a converted Victorian loo on the Common, capacity 250), and it runs a recurring Under-18s Open Mic on scattered dates through the year rather than to a fixed weekly slot. Doors are mid-afternoon (around 4:30pm, performers in free from 5pm), it's an alcohol-free, all-ages event, and audience entry is £5. The kit is properly looked after: all mics, amps and a full drum kit are provided, plus the house PA, lighting and a real sound engineer and stage manager to help young performers sound their best. Check the Forum's site for the next date.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Forum’s Wednesday night runs.
Find The Forum
Tunbridge Wells Common, Tunbridge Wells
Planning Your Wednesday Night
Arrive by 17:00 to sign up for a slot. Entry is £5.00 and the open mic typically runs until late. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Tunbridge Wells live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Tunbridge Wells's The Forum open mic.
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