Five years ago Folkestone was named the world’s first “music town”.

But following the recent closure of two venues renowned for hosting live bands, one long-time bar owner fears for the area’s future as a hotspot for intimate gigs…

For 25 years Christopher Smith has owned The Chambers in Folkestone’s Cheriton Place.

The coffee shop-come-bar and restaurant proudly exclaims on its website that “music is at the heart of what we do”.

And it makes good on that commitment, regularly hosting live bands, DJs and solo artists.

But Mr Smith says the town is now facing a “critical moment” in its fight to remain a go-to place to enjoy gigs in intimate settings like his own.

Last week, The Eleto Chocolate Cafe in nearby Rendezvous Street, which regularly hosted music events in the evening, shut its doors for the final time.

Earlier this year, the Home Taproom in Tontine Street, where many live bands performed, also closed.

And Mr Smith says The Chambers has “never been quieter”, with fewer people turning out to enjoy the acts he puts on.

“There are many reasons as to why this is happening,” he said.

“Socially things are changing in terms of going out.

“People have found use of their homes over lockdown, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

“But I think people are less inclined to come out and see a band live.

“I think there is a clinical approach to music now. It’s so easy to access online.

“People don't crave that real-life experience because it is so easy to get them little soundbites.”

Mr Smith says a recent gig at The Chambers was evidence of a drop-off he worries could continue.

“A couple of weeks ago we had a UK band called Gingerella, who have a fantastic following and are a really on-point group, come perform at our bar,” he said.

“We promoted and pushed the event and we only sold 20 tickets.

“The next night they were in Paris and they absolutely packed it out.

“There seems to be a different attitude here in the UK to going to watch live bands.”

The 58-year-old also believes the cost-of-living crisis is contributing to what he calls an “imperfect perfect storm”.

“The taxation of products and tickets for events just means everything is more expensive,” he continued.

“Our utilities, for example, are an absolute disgrace.

“We are in a critical moment for the music industry in the town.”

In October last year, Mr Smith, who owns The Chambers with his wife Liz, announced they would be selling up.

He says this is still the plan and expects the venue to be officially on the market in the coming weeks.

The husband-and-wife duo say their spell in Folkestone has been “immense” but the time is right to move the business on.

Even though there has been a decline in customers at The Chambers, Mr Smith says he still has a series of bands and DJs approaching them to play at the bar.

Last month, it hosted 11 different bands across eight nights.

Mr Smith, who has lived in Folkestone his entire life, is determined to find a new owner with the same passion for live music.

“It's just the right time for us,” he said.

“If I won the lottery tomorrow I would 100% stay here and continue to grow the business.

“We are looking to move The Chambers to someone who has an interest in music.

“All the hard work is done here and we have a proven track record. It is just time for us to step to one side.

“It’s a very busy thing to do and takes all of our time.”

The Chambers engages with international bands on a weekly basis to try to bring more music to the town.

But Mr Smith wonders how Folkestone will “present itself with new music” if there is no new investment in the venue.

“I think our site is very important in the town. We are part of the furniture here and that needs to remain,” he said.

“We have all taken hits over the past few years.

“People love being in Folkestone and it's a great town to be in, but people only use one or two parts of the town.

“Fifteen years ago the neglected part of the town was by the harbour. Now it's the other way round.”

Customers of The Eleto Chocolate Cafe expressed their sadness after it shut last week.

I think our site is very important in the town. We are part of the furniture here and that needs to remain...

The venue, which also has a branch in Canterbury, served coffee and food during the day and regularly hosted music events in the evening.

The Canterbury store remains open under new ownership despite the closure of the Folkestone shop.

Customer Stuart Peters said: “We were at Eleto on Saturday for a 101 comedy club and it was sold out and so good. Such a shame.”

“We've enjoyed many music events there, and some very nice hot chocolate stop-offs, too!” Caroline Jessen added.

Folkestone was named the world’s first “music town” in 2019, replicating the work of “music cities” such as San Francisco, Amsterdam and London by setting up a music board to coordinate strategies and initiatives.

It was the product of two years of work by The Folkestone Music Town Project, with the title meaning the district had formally recognised music as an asset of value capable of boosting economic growth, tourism, and health and wellbeing.

The community group is set to put on a month-long music festival that will see 120 artists perform in Folkestone.

Music in May is back for a second year and will see gigs take place at venues across the town, including The Chambers.

One of the organisers, Andrew Ward, recognises the difficulties smaller venues are facing, but says it is not all doom and gloom.

“People like Chris are under huge, huge pressure, and it’s a real battle for anyone in the music scene to make the pennies these days. Smaller venues are having a tough time, but positive things are happening even when it’s difficult,” he said, adding that the Home Taproom is due to soon reopen.

“Music in May is bigger and better than it was last year - we have more gigs, more venues and more artists.

“People who are devoted to music are working their jolly little socks off to make it work.”

An opening party for Music in May will take place on Sunday, May 5, at Folkestone Quarterhouse with 18 local singers, 10 musicians and special guests.

The same venue will host a closing party on Friday, May 31.

Among the most well-known acts booked to perform during the festival is DJ Brandon Block.