Name: Maroon Town
Start: 2024-10-25T19:30:00+01:00
End: 2024-10-25T22:30:00+01:00
Location: The Old Malthouse (AKA Chidham Village Hall, PO18 8TL)

Maroon Town, whose name is taken from a remote upland community in Jamaica formed by escaped slaves, burst onto the scene in the late 80s with their pioneering fusion of rap, dub, breakbeat, jazz and funk. They have played our WemsFest stage multiple times and every year the audience is left wanting more!
When the London-based multi-racial 8-piece first started out 30 years ago, they were the first ska band to have begun mixing ska and reggae with rap, funk and Latin/cumbia to produce a fresh new world music sound with conscious and uplifting lyrics. Their first album and singles were produced by John Bradbury of the Specials. These recordings propelled the group to get the attention of the international music community and led to extensive touring in Europe, Japan and South America.
A long-standing relationship with the British Council saw Maroon Town perform in over 15 countries from Kosovo to Tajikistan and from Brazil to Brunei playing in theatres, festivals, schools, community centres, universities and even prisons. Their songs have been synched to major Hollywood films and they continue to provide a brilliant stage show!
Still at the cutting edge of creativity their sixth and latest album ‘Freedom Call’ released on the Spanish label ‘Brixton Records’ in 2018 blends conscious reggae, jazz, Big beat ska as well as an up-tempo ska collaboration with renowned Basque Country reggae, rock and ska singer Fermin Muguruza. (Spain, particularly Catalonia and the Basque Country has long been a touring destination for the band)
In 2018 Maroon Town played at Skabour (UK), Boom Town, Freedom Sounds Festival and Querbeat (Germany), the London International Ska Festival and at Foc a la Feixa (Spain – June 23rd) and many other venues. Each month the band run a club night at the legendary Troubadour in London with net profits going to the Alpha Boys School in Jamaica.
The result is a unique musical blend that has hooked fans and audiences from all over the world for over 30 years.
Licensed bar helps support WemsFest – As always, we’ll have our licensed bar serving delicious beers from Langham Brewery 🍻 as well as wines, local cider, nonalcoholic beers, and soft drinks. All profits from bar and ticket sales are reinvested in the local community.
Tickets available now at Bookends and Harbour Records and online here
Doors open 7.30 for an 8pm start
If you require special assistance or have mobility difficulties, please contact us in advance and we will do our very best to accommodate you so that you are comfortable.
Please park considerately.