Kontra promoted regular top class acoustic roots "Potbelly" events at this fabulous venue (also a working church) in the heart of Kettering from 2013 to 2017. We featured a wide range of brilliant acts from the folk and roots world: a mix of familiar, established names (including Fairport Convention and The Blues Band), along with rising stars and top quality local acts. Unfortunately, due to increasingly challenging economic circumstances and declining audiences, late in 2017 we reluctantly concluded that the venue could no longer sustain regular music events. The Centre does, however, continue to host occasional cultural and community events, with comedy their speciality.

This delightfully eccentric and unique venue in Market Harborough was one of our favourites, and we ran regular music events there from 2010 until 2017 when it sadly became clear that for financial reasons Joules could no longer continue as a music venue. With quality music, excellent food and a relaxing atmosphere, there was nowhere quite like Joules, particularly during the summer months, and it is greatly missed. The Yard hosted its final music event in November 17.

As any folk roots promoter will tell you, it is extremely difficult to make concerts work financially. Unless an event attracts a near capacity audience (increasingly difficult these days) one is lucky to break even let alone make a profit. So, over the years, despite enthusiastic support from Kontra regulars, several of our much-loved venues have had to close their doors to live music. 2017 was a particularly bad year, and by the end of it both Joules Yard and Kettering Arts Centre had decided they could no longer host live music events. We are left with happy memories of some wonderful gigs at all our former venues.