Seaside Classical Concert at the Criterion, Sheerness — Afternoon Music & Cream Tea

On a brisk afternoon in Sheerness, England, the Criterion Theatre hums with a crowd ready for seaside songs and classical staples. Located near the town's waterfront on the Kent coast, this Classical Concert features Mark Underwood, pianist Carol Anne Wells and the Preston Ensemble in a program that swings from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee to Greensleeves and My Fair Lady medleys. The performance spotlights a rare 1870 Bechstein grand piano—its mellow, wooden voice a living piece of instrument history—alongside a five-piece string quintet playing Schubert’s String Quintet in C major Op. 163. What makes this show special is the mix: a local tenor’s jazzy take on Waltzing Matilda, comic music-hall turns, and well-loved seaside anthems such as ‘I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside’ and ‘What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor?’ Interludes from the Preston Ensemble—London-trained, Kent-based musicians—add chamber-music gravity to the afternoon, while arrangements slip easily into familiar tunes that invite smiles and sing-alongs. The price includes a strawberry cream tea, a charming local touch that turns an ordinary concert into a full cultural experience. For visitors to Sheerness, the Criterion provides a compact, human-scale cultural counterpoint to the town’s coastal walks. The historic instrument on stage and the program’s blend of classical and popular repertoire reflect a long-standing regional music scene: accompanist Carol Anne Wells has worked with the venue for years, and musicians travel from around Kent to perform. Tickets are sold through the Criterion box office; the performance typically begins in the mid-afternoon so plan transport accordingly. Practical notes: seating is theatre-style and best enjoyed by arriving early; photography of performers may be restricted; ticket prices historically include tea. The event is family-friendly and appealing to anyone who enjoys live music without the formality of a concert hall. It’s ideal for those pairing cultural outings with coastal explorations of the Kent shoreline. Book a slot on a calm sea day to pair the concert with a waterfront stroll, or make an evening of it by sampling local pubs afterward. Whether you come for virtuoso string playing, a comic Flight of the Bumblebee, or simply to sit at a Bechstein piano’s soundboard, this Classical Concert offers a warm, distinctly Kentish afternoon of music and hospitality. Practical booking details are straightforward: tickets are £15, purchasable from the Criterion on 01795 662981 or online at www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk; performances generally start at 3pm. Expect a relaxed run time—this event is listed at roughly three to five hours when paired with pre- and post-concert socializing. Accessibility information is limited in the listing, so call ahead for seating needs. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to claim good seats and enjoy your cream tea before the first note, and avoid last-minute queues too.