As Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, I spend many hours on The Pantiles during the day, meeting clients, running between appointments, and enjoying the buzz of our beautiful historic quarter. But it had been many years since I’d actually stayed into the evening to experience one of the area’s most-loved traditions: Live on The Pantiles, which of course used be Jazz on The Pantiles. And I can honestly say, I’d forgotten just how special it is.
The evening began with a delicious meal at The Tunbridge Wells Hotel. Their team couldn’t have been more welcoming, and the food was as fantastic as always. The team were as attentive as ever, and we had excellent seats right in front of the bandstand. You couldn’t have asked for a better view—or a better atmosphere. Looking around, I could not believe how many familiar faces there were.
The weather was on our side, with an evening warmth that you normally only feel on the continent. The band struck up and the wonderful voice of the lead singer filled the air. There’s something about live music that just transforms any event I find: the elegant Georgian architecture becomes a backdrop for joy, movement, and connection. Before long, people were up dancing, clapping, and singing along to a wonderfully varied set list. From timeless classics to toe-tapping crowd favourites, there truly was something for everyone.
What struck me most wasn’t just the music, but the sense of community. The Pantiles was absolutely alive—locals mingling with visitors, families enjoying themselves, couples out for a special evening, and groups of friends laughing together. It was a reminder of what makes Tunbridge Wells so unique: that combination of heritage, culture, and community.
As someone who has worked here for many years, it was incredibly heartening to see the whole area so well supported. Every table was full, the colonnade bustling, and the atmosphere nothing short of electric. It made me proud not just as a business owner, but as a resident who cares deeply about the life and vibrancy of our town.
For anyone who hasn’t been—or perhaps, like me, hasn’t been for a while—I cannot recommend Live on The Pantiles highly enough when it returns next year. It’s a joyful celebration of music, community, and summer evenings in Tunbridge Wells. The good news? It will return next May, and I, for one, will be making sure it’s firmly in my diary and making it a far more regular addition in my social calendar.
Sometimes, all it takes is one magical evening to remind us of the treasures right in front of us. Last summer was just that—a true celebration of everything that makes The Pantiles so special.
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