A grassroots music venue has defied all odds as it prepares to open another live music venue this week.

The Sound Lounge will open its doors for its official music launch on December 12.

Its opening programme will feature a stellar line-up of celebrated artists from both sides of the Atlantic as well as fast-rising talent from the roots, country and Americana scene.

Located on Sutton High Street, the venue will stage concerts, showcases, record launches, interview Q&A sessions and album playbacks, as well as fringe theatre, poetry, exhibitions, workshops, vocational training and much more.

The new build includes a café, fully licensed bar and plant-based kitchen with a seasonal menu designed by co-founder Keiron Marshall.

The Sound Lounge is on track to becoming the UK’s very first carbon-neutral grassroots music venue, demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable high street and sustainable culture.

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The launch season, curated by venue patron, music journalist and broadcaster Paul Sexton, will welcome some of the most notable names in music, not only artists but producers, engineers, broadcasters and more.

Graham Gouldman, who has written top hits for The Hollies and The Yardbirds, is set to present his 'Heart Full of Songs' show, featuring those and many others that he co-wrote with 10cc.

Fellow Ivor Novello Award winner and Grammy nominee Chris Difford, will also bring songs and stories from his illustrious career with Squeeze including 'Cool For Cats,' 'Up The Junction' and 'Tempted,' and from his fine solo catalogue.

The arrival is a human story of perseverance and determination, in a time where music venues across the country have been forced to close.

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Co-founders Hannah and Keiron said: “We've been setting up and running venues for some years, so we're not lightweights.

“But there's no denying that this has been hard.

"We've spent many evenings since the first lockdown with our heads in our hands wondering how we were going to survive.

MORE: Industry hardship with Sound Lounge

“But the landscape for live music was inhospitable way before covid, so we were always prepared for a tough road.

"Our philosophy has always been to keep going until it’s physically impossible to do so. That seems to have served us well so far.

"Against all the odds, and with a lot of help from our supporters, we're making the impossible happen and we believe it’s exactly what is needed for communities, high streets and the industry.”

In another exciting feature, the Sound Lounge will also have its own record store, a branch of the highly popular Union Music, based in East Sussex.

Social distancing guidelines have been put in place. 

For more information on how to book online visit here.