Open mic at The Comet

The Comet hosts its open mic on Thursday 5 November, starting at 19:30. It's billed as the cheapest night out in Hastings, and the only one where the setlist is decided by whoever walks through the door with a guitar. You don't have to play to come along, but if you do, the rule is the same as anywhere: turn up early, put your name down, play two or three songs, and then clear the stage for the next act.

There's a house PA and usually a house guitar, with a host running the list. Drums, amps, mics and a piano are also on hand, and there's a house band available to back you up if you'd rather not go it alone. The whole thing is built on an open-door ethos: the organisers note that nights that only book good players stop being open mics and start being gigs, so the stage stays open to everyone.

It's a recurring thing, too. If you miss this one, the next two are Thursday 3 December and Thursday 7 January 2027, both starting at 19:30. Entry is free, so it's as easy as turning up and seeing what the night brings.