The Sussex Arms is a traditional pub on Sussex Mews, just off the Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells, with a history stretching back to the early 17th century when it served the coachmen and servants of the gentry. Its real significance for musicians is the Forum Basement — a dedicated live-music room curated by The Forum (the town's renowned independent grassroots venue) where bands, DJs and comedians perform regularly, alongside in-house events and DJ nights. A characterful, hidden-gem pub tucked behind the Corn Exchange, it's one of Tunbridge Wells' key small-capacity (around 50) live-music and gig spots.
Tunbridge Wells · Every Thursday · Free
The Sussex Arms Open Mic
Tunbridge Wells's thursday open mic.
Open mic at a glance The Sussex Arms · Tunbridge Wells
Thursday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
03 Aug
Last verified
Free
Entry
—
Sign-up time
Community
Listing status
Run a Tunbridge Wells open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Sussex Arms Open Mic — Quick Facts
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The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayThursday
Start19:30
Sign-up
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
The Sussex ArmsTunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Sign-up via phone
Host: in-house team
Highlights
Free entry for all
PA system provided
Sign-up via phone
Music welcome
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About The Sussex Arms
About This Open Mic
Every Thursday in Tunbridge Wells
Kicks off at 19:30
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
PA provided — BYO instrument
Part of the Tunbridge Wells open mic directory
The Night
The Sussex Arms is a traditional pub on The Pantiles in Royal Tunbridge Wells, with its open mic held downstairs in the Forum Basement — the same room The Forum uses for live music, comedy and DJ nights. The Sussex Open Mic Night starts at 7:30pm and everyone's welcome to get up and play: bring your voice, guitar, percussion or whatever you fancy. They provide amps, PA and mics, so you can travel light. Reserve a slot by calling or messaging the pub, or just turn up on the night.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
2 vocal mics
In-house engineer
The Night at a Glance
How The Sussex Arms’s Thursday night runs.
19:30Kick-off
00:00Venue closes
Every Thursday Free entry
Find The Sussex Arms
Tunbridge Wells
Planning Your Thursday Night
Arrive early to sign up for a slot. Entry is free 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.
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Seven things people ask before turning up at Tunbridge Wells's The Sussex Arms open mic.
Sign-up via phone. See all Tunbridge Wells open mic nights.
PA + vocal mic provided. BYO instrument and amp.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Tunbridge Wells mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Tunbridge Wells regulars across the Tunbridge Wells open mic scene. Tunbridge Wells open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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