A new venue dedicated to live music has launched, billed as the only one of its kind on Sheppey.

The Conspiracy Room is taking over part of Tantra nightclub in Beach Street, Sheerness, and will host its first gig this weekend.

Friends Sam Gage, from Sheerness, and Thomas Holland, who runs Tantra and the nearby Goat pub, are behind the new venue, which has a capacity of around 350 people.

It will showcase the best of the country’s tribute rock bands, starting with a Foo Fighters act from Southend – Faux Fighters UK – on Saturday.

Sam said: "I've been speaking to bands up and down the country and the plan is to have a band performing at least once a month.

"We will also be using the venue for local bands and upcoming ones, and I want to put in some comedy nights and football speakers later down the line as well."

He added: "Especially with the last year-and-a-half we've all had, it's just somewhere we can go to forget about things and enjoy a good gig. People must be itching for gigs now."

The pair are re-purposing part of Tantra, known as Tantra 2, for the new venue, previously used for functions and Zumba classes.

Sam, a 47-year-old scaffold inspector by trade, said the new venue was “a pipe dream that’s finally become a reality”.

A singer in bands Strange Brew, and Hobo Jungle, he has been performing in pubs for about eight years.

"I've had some really good nights in pubs, but they are pubs. There's nothing dedicated to live music on the Island," he said. "The Conspiracy Room is just something different; a different experience.

"We're really excited about it. We just hope it's a success and people will appreciate it."

There are still a limited number of tickets available for Saturday's gig. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door. Doors will open at 7pm.

Pure Weller, a Paul Weller tribute band, are set to perform at the venue on Saturday, October 30, followed by Stereosonics Live on Saturday, December 18.

For more or to buy tickets, click here, or visit 'The Conspiracy Room' Facebook page.

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