How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £15; purchase from the Criterion box office by phone or online.

When does the show start?

The performance typically begins at 3pm.

Yes—price includes a strawberry cream tea as noted in the event listing.

How long does the event last?

The listing suggests a flexible three- to five-hour window when paired with pre- and post-concert socializing.

Are there photography restrictions?

Photography of performers may be restricted—check with venue staff before using a camera or flash.

Is the venue accessible?

Accessibility information is limited in the listing; call 01795 662981 to discuss specific needs before attending.

Seaside Classical Concert at the Criterion, Sheerness

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.

About Blue Town Heritage Centre

Blue Town Heritage Centre preserves and presents local history through a year-round programme of performances, films, community activities and heritage admission. The centre hosts a wide range of events including live music concerts, tribute shows, variety nights, tea parties and seasonal celebrations. Offerings listed by the centre include named performances such as Ewald Brass Band Consort, Lady Nicholsons Tea Party, Sue Caroline & the Andy Wall Band, Annie Love’s tribute shows, Ban Jovi, and many more community-focused events.

Events combine entertainment with hospitality: some performances pair live music with cream teas or two-course lunches, while quiz nights, tea parties and community cinema screenings provide inclusive gatherings. Specific events note accessible arrangements and flexible seating; some concerts mention accommodations for disabilities and free parking where available. The centre also presents themed days such as Scorpion & Creepy Crawlies Day with a film, seasonal shows including Christmas Variety Show and A Christmas Carol as told by Jacob Marley (deceased), and tributes spanning genres from disco to country.

Blue Town Heritage Centre works with local performers, volunteer staff and visiting ensembles to stage concerts, comedy fundraisers, heritage admissions and special events. Programmes often highlight local history and community engagement while offering a variety of ticketed experiences. Information on each event—date, format, accessibility and any included refreshments—is published alongside listings so visitors can choose suitable performances. The centre’s mix of screenings, live bands, tribute acts and family days creates a cultural calendar aimed at residents and day visitors seeking music, heritage and community events.