Festival Launch

The 13th festival begins. Raise a glass.

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Three festivalgoers raise champagne flutes in the sunshine outside the JAM Festival venue on opening night.

The Event

Date

8 July · Wed · 5pm

Venue

The Assembly Rooms · New Romney

Tickets

Free

(please reserve)

Duration

75min

Presenters

Edward Armitage BEM · Festival Curator
Paul Mealor LVO · President of JAM

The 13th JAM on the Marsh begins here. Join the Festival Curator Edward Armitage BEM and JAM President Paul Mealor LVO at The Assembly Rooms in New Romney for an informal conversation delving into the thoughts and ideas shaping the 2026 programme.

Discover the strings that weave through the festival, hear about the world premieres ahead, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the artists, venues, and ambitions of the eleven days to come. Then raise a glass to a new season.

A relaxed, welcoming opening — and the perfect way to meet fellow audience members before Changeling Theatre takes the evening into the Old School Garden at 7pm.

Free. Booking required.

More to Explore

Changeling Theatre

8 July · Wed · 7pm

The Old School Garden · New Romney

Opening the festival, Changeling Theatre bring Shakespeare's sharpest romcom, Much Ado About Nothing, played with glitz, glamour and scandal. Bring a picnic, a rug and a sense of mischief.

Explore

Thomas Kelly & John Frederick Hudson

9 July · Thu · 7pm

St Leonard · Hythe

Sharing a single piano for an evening of four-hand repertoire, a world premiere from Hudson opens the programme and closes with Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

Explore

The Roaring 20s

11 July · Sat · 7pm

St Nicholas · New Romney

The 1920s, sung and told. Alexander Armstrong, Claire Booth and Andrew Matthews-Owen take us through Noel Coward, Ivor Novello and the Great American Songbook. Script by Christine Croshaw.

Explore

Frequently asked Questions

Will I receive a paper ticket?

No — all tickets are digital and arrive by email. Please have your e-ticket ready to scan on arrival.

Are tickets free for under-18s?

Yes — we want young people to have access and connection to the arts. Please reserve a free ticket in advance for each event.

Is the venue accessible?

We aim to make the arts accessible to all. Our Front of House team will be on hand to assist and direct you during your visit. Venues are step-free where possible, with wheelchair seating and accessible toilets available. If you have any specific access needs, please email Sarah at sarah@jamconcert.org before booking and we'll make sure everything is set up for you.

Where is the venue?

The Assembly Rooms
New Romney
TN28 8BT

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Coming from London?

By train: the Southeastern High Speed runs from London St Pancras to Ashford International in around 40 minutes, with frequent services throughout the day.

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From Ashford International: a 20-minute taxi takes you to all festival venues. We recommend pre-booking.

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By car: around 90 minutes from central London via the M20. Parking is available at all festival venues.

Is there parking?

Free parking on Church Road and Church Lane, or pay-and-display in the adjacent FHDC car park.

When do doors open?

Doors open 30 minutes before each event. We recommend arriving in good time to find your seat and settle in.

Will refreshments be available?

Yes — enjoy a free glass of fizz to celebrate the opening of the festival.

What if I'm running late?

We'll do our best to seat latecomers at a suitable break in the music — usually between pieces. There may be a short wait.

Is there reserved seating?

Seating is unreserved at all festival events.

Are there toilets?

Modern toilets available

I have additional questions

Please email sarah@jamconcert.org

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