Compass Music Festival Returns to Folkestone – Artist Applications Now Open
The festival is bringing even more independent artists, grassroots venues and community spirit to the Kent coast
Following the resounding success of its debut edition last summer, Compass Music Festival is officially returning to Folkestone Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October 2025, bringing even more independent artists, grassroots venues and community spirit to the Kent coast.
Artist applications are now open via www.compass-music.com and will remain open for five weeks, until Monday 7 July.
With 50 acts set to perform across 10 unique town centre and Creative Quarter venues, Compass Music Festival is a growing celebration of the UK South East’s vibrant underground music scene. Last year, over 750 attendees came to see 30+ acts perform in 7 grassroots venues — and over 150 bands and solo artists applied for a slot in the inaugural line-up.
Festival founder and director Geraldine Zanaska, a live music promoter based in Folkestone, explains: “The music scene across the South East and South Coast is so rich and vibrant, yet people only really know bands from Brighton. There are strong music scenes in Folkestone, Margate, Canterbury, Hastings, Medway — but the region lacks connectivity. People in Kent will travel for a good gig. With Compass, I want to raise the profile of our local scene, connect music communities, and show London booking agents that there is a real audience for live music in Kent.”
This year’s festival continues to champion new and independent artists, with a focus on those based in Kent and Sussex. While applications are welcome from all over the UK, Compass Festival has pledged that at least 50% - and up to 75% - of its line-up will feature artists from the region.
Geraldine adds: “We’re particularly encouraging early applications as we’ll be booking artists as we go. We’re looking for original music across all genres - from indie, post-punk and alternative to folk, jazz, hip-hop, country, singer-songwriters and pop.”
This year’s venues will include returning favourites like Blackmarket and the fairground themed Speedway, alongside exciting new additions such as F51 Skate Park, the new Downstairs at Market Square and Old Cigar and Olive on Rendez-Vous Street.
“Come for the art, or come for the music,” Geraldine says. “Come for both — and make a weekend out of it.”
The festival prides itself on its inclusive, affordable and independent ethos, with a focus on community connection and fair remuneration. As part of this, Compass will offer concession tickets for students, under 25s and those on low or no income. Early bird tickets will start at £16 for 1-day access and £23 for 2 days. Tickets go on sale in early June via www.compass-music.com.
“We know times are hard. The cost of living crisis has hit both punters and promoters,” Geraldine adds. “But we’re committed to keeping Compass accessible without compromising on quality. We’ll be looking to our community more than ever this year to help us keep it sustainable – whether that’s attending, volunteering, fundraising, or simply spreading the word.”
To launch this year’s campaign, the festival will host a free warm-up event at the Quarterhouse’s Clearing Bar on Friday 13 June, featuring a social meetup for local musicians and fans, a live reveal of the first wave of confirmed artists, a raffle with prizes to support the festival, semi-acoustic performances including Folkestone favourite Joe Bulley, and DJs until late.
“Last year’s feedback was overwhelming,” Geraldine explains. “One audience member told us: ‘As a musician and punter, I found it superbly well-organised, with good vibes, amazing music, a real community spirit and lots of joy.’ That’s what we’re building on - not just more music, but more magic.”
Compass Music Festival 2025
Folkestone, Kent
Friday 17 – Saturday 18 October 2025
50 acts · 10 venues · 1 wristband
Tickets on sale early June
Artist applications open now via www.compass-music.com – deadline: 7 July 2025
Compass Music Festival is presented by Compass Music CIC, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company based in Folkestone. The festival is independently run and driven by a mission to support grassroots artists, strengthen regional music communities, and make live music more accessible and inclusive.
Supporters and fans can sign up to the newsletter at www.compass-music.com to stay up to date on line-up announcements, ticket drops, and ways to get involved or follow @compass_music_ on social media.
