A NEW grassroots music venue is coming to Maldon with its launch event just around the corner.

The new venue at Bark Café at Madison Heights, in Park Drive, will showcase original music.

It is launching on November 16.

The venue aims to foster a “relaxed atmosphere for the community” to experience and enjoy live music shows.

Tickets are priced at £10 in advance or £12 on the door.

The initiative seeks to provide an intimate experience showcasing today's original music acts, allowing audiences to appreciate the authentic sounds of today’s up-and-coming songwriters and bands

It is all organised by Mundon-based Richard Townend, a highly accomplished singer-songwriter-guitarist with an impressive career in the music industry.

Having started his professional journey directly from Leeds College of Music, he initially played for various acts before then taking a hiatus of about 20 years.

Townend experienced a transformative moment at a jam session in 2008, reigniting his passion for music.

This led to the release of his first album in 2011 and the formation of The Mighty BossCats, marking the beginning of a prolific phase where he has written more than 300 songs and 15 albums.

The new Bosscats line-up includes Matt Gillam on bass and drummer Mark Hall, who are both Essex-based.

Mr Townend said: “There has been a sharp decline in venues supporting the original side of the music business, we need to rectify that, there’s nothing better than watching a live gig with original songwriters performing their tunes.

“We’d really appreciate if people embrace this new venture, if you love live music, you’ll love the Music at the Bark – any bands (from anywhere) wanting information please contact me at themightybosscats@hotmail.com.”

The inaugural event will feature The Mighty Bosscats as well as fellow band Gothanova.

Androo Arnold - under the project name Gothanova – will be presenting his own "Groovy Songs for Spooky Souls".

Played on electric baritone guitar this is music that fuses strong rhythms to tales of memory and mortality.

The launch event is on November 16, and tickets can be purchased at https://wegottickets.com/event/632775#tickets.