Sunday open mic at French's

French's in Hastings runs its open mic and jam session every Sunday from 19:00, with the venue staying open until midnight. It's a regular fixture on the town's music calendar, and the next few dates are Sunday 8, 15 and 22 November. The night is hosted by Betsy Tingle and James Friis-Lawrence, who keep things moving throughout the evening.

It's an open mic in the truest sense, so the bill is made up of whoever turns up on the night. Original compositions and covers are both welcome, and the jam session side of things means there's room to pull together on the fly if you're in the mood to play with other people. It's a supportive environment, and the mixed-genre nature of the night means you'll hear a fair range of styles across the set.

French's itself is a buzzy cocktail bar and live-music spot with a dance floor and DJ nights, and this Sunday session is a key part of its live offering. The night is open to all ages, so it's as much for the local musicians as it is for anyone who just wants to spend a Sunday evening listening. If you're planning to play, sign-up is done online in advance, and a PA system is provided on the night. The drum kit, guitar and bass amps, keys and vocal mics are listed as TBC, so it's worth checking in if you need more than just a mic and a cable.

It's a well-run, community-focused night that welcomes both new material and familiar favourites. With the venue open until midnight, there's plenty of time to hang around after you've played. It kicks off at 19:00 every Sunday, with the next three dates being 8, 15 and 22 November.