 The Top Banana Band headline The Gretton Music Festival. Picture - Tony Sutton The seventh annual Gretton Music Festival - which took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend - was a huge success, with packed-out venues and practically sold-out gigs every night.
The headlining Top Banana Band fundraising event raised £1200 for The Travers Foundation, a local charity which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, creative arts and the performing arts. The music festival offered a varied programme with something for everyone, and artistes performing included Nice N Easy, Swedish Delight, the Market Harborough Ukulele Group, Big Bopper Disco Entertainment, Just Handsome, The Andy Warrington Experience, Tom Hall, and The Top Banana Band. Despite horrendous thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon, Gretton Recreation Ground and the Sports and Social Club hosted Martin McEvoy's Magnificent Musical Marquee (kindly sponsored by Carlsberg), with homegrown talent young and old entertaining the large crowd of hardy individuals who braved the rain. In contrast, the open mic event at The Hatton Arms was bathed in glorious sunshine this year and had a wide range of musicians from all genres, including a 'steal the show' rock session from a bunch of talented youngsters called Unpredictable - remember that name, they're going places! The music festival took place at seven venues throughout the village, including a Viva Verdi & Viva Vino opera appreciation session at the home of impresario Martin McEvoy. Northamptonshire's biggest community-based music festival's overall sponsor was Seaton's Solicitors. Terry Forsey, organiser of the Gretton Music Festival, announced that he would be stepping down after this year's event. Mr Forsey, who runs his own Sales and Marketing Consultancy and is the Chairman of local charity The Travers Foundation, said: "From a modest start to countywide recognition, the Gretton Music Festival has become firmly established as "Northamptonshire's Largest Community Based Music Festival". We have enjoyed excellent support with packed venues over the four days of the August Bank Holiday weekend. "The festival has been very well received by local media including newspaper, radio and TV, and is supported by an excellent website. The sponsorship initially from EggBox and thereafter Seatons Solicitors have been an invaluable foundation for our success. The programme advertising has also ensured promotion to every Gretton resident. "Unfortunately over that time as the festival has grown the organising team has shrunk. The festival has now reached a crossroads. Over the last few weeks we have had some exciting ideas for the future including food and literary concepts, both of which would add interest. "As founder of the event I now feel it is time to invite some new blood with new ideas to take over the solid foundations which have been built. I have decided that after seven years I have done my bit and intend to stand down at the end of this Festival. I am happy to arrange a transition and handover to a new team. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone for your support over the years." For further details and photos of the event. ends Press information – Terry Forsey, Gretton Music Festival – 01536 771440 GRETTON MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016  Gretton Music Festival - taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday 26th August to Monday 29th August - is Northamptonshire's biggest community-based music festival.
Now in its seventh year, and sponsored by Seaton's Solicitors, the organizers are delighted to announce that this year's headline act is The Top Banana Band. Last year they wowed the crowd at the Open Mic session at The Hatton Arms, and this year they are back to play their mix of funk, soul and blues covers, guaranteed to get you on your feet and shaking your tailfeathers! Performing at Gretton Village Hall on Sunday 28th August, tickets cost just £10 per person and are available from Gretton Post Office and Stores. Please bring your own drinks, glasses and nibbles. All proceeds from this event will go to The Travers Foundation, a local charity supporting 13-30 year olds improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts. The following fabulous acts have also been confirmed to appear at this year's Gretton Music Festival: Nice N Easy - Friday 26th August, 8pm The Bluebell Inn, High Street - FREE admission. Opening the festival as always, The Bluebell are hosting this trio of vocalists who are definitely not a tribute act. There will be three 45 minute sets featuring songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr, Bobby Darin etc. If you like the Rat Pack, make sure you're in this audience! Swedish Delight - Friday 26th August, 9pm The Talbot, High Street - FREE admission. This delightful Scandi-style trio play country, folk, pop and chilled acoustic tunes with a twist, mixing guitar, dobro and ukulele with a sweet pinch of vocal harmonies. Relax and enjoy. Market Harborough Ukulele Group (MHUG) - Saturday 27th August, 11am, Lydia's Coffee Shop, High Street - FREE admission The spirit of George Formby lives on with this fun group, playing a mixture of favourites old and new. Formed by a small group of friends in 2011 who'd been given the instruments but never learned how to play them, they now boast a membership of 90, although not all of them will be playing on the day as the coffee shop isn't the same size as the Royal Albert Hall! Martin McEvoy's Magnificent Musical Marquee - Saturday 27th August, 2pm to 5.30pm at Gretton Sports and Social Club, off Kirby Road - FREE admission. This will feature an unrivalled selection of local musical talent performing in a marquee in the recreation ground. Acts include Mark Thompson with his shades of Sinatra; Blaize Jones, Sam Powell and Vic Copperthwaite performing acoustic songs and ballads; Andy Royle with his unique laid-back blend of guitar-based tunes; Kara Hamer, a young musical theatre singer, bringing the best of the West End to Gretton; and the Liberty Drum Corp, providing a grand finale - expect American razzmatazz, drums, brass, marching and dancing. Big Bopper Disco Entertainment - Saturday 27th August, 6pm to 8.30pm, Gretton Sports and Social Club - FREE admission. With a vast library of music, Big Bopper really are the party experts. Complete with their state-of-the-art lighting, they create amazing lightshows ranging from subtle to dynamic. The Andy Warrington Experience - Saturday 27th August, 7.30pm, Gretton Village Hall. This Peterborough-based band perform an eclectic mix of avant-garde pop and rock classics with an edge. Tickets cost £10 per person and are available from Gretton Post Office and Stores, with profits donated to the Gretton Pensioners' Christmas Party. Just Handsome - Saturday 27th August, 8.30pm, Gretton Sports and Social Club - FREE admission. This three-piece acoustic act cover multiple musical genres and have been part of the county's open mic scene for the past two years - now they're deservedly securing gigs in their own right. Viva Verdi & Viva Vino! - Sunday 28th August, 2pm to 4pm, The Yews - £10 per ticket, space is limited, so please e-mail martin@londoncityopera.co.uk to book a place. Hosted by impresario Martin McEvoy there will be the chance to hear and see some of the greatest scenes from Verdi with excerpts from La Traviata, Rigoletto, Aida and Don Carlos, performed at the world's greatest opera houses including The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, The Metropolitan in New York and La Scala, Milan. Ticket price includes wine and Italian bites. Tom Hall, plus the great sausage and cider fest - Sunday 28th August, The Talbot, High Street - FREE admission. Tom will be performing between 1pm and 3pm, and 8pm to 10pm. The sausages and cider will be available until they're sold out. Don't miss out on any of this! Open Mic Session - Monday 29th August, from 2pm, The Hatton Arms - FREE admission. Grab a mic and showcase your talent - all ages, abilities, groups or solo artistes welcome. ends  Gretton Music Festival - taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday 26th August to Monday 29th August - is Northamptonshire's biggest community-based music festival. Now in its seventh year, and sponsored by Seaton's Solicitors, the organizers are delighted to announce that this year's headline act is The Top Banana Band.  Last year they wowed the crowd at the Open Mic session at The Hatton Arms, and this year they are back to play their mix of funk, soul and blues covers, guaranteed to get you on your feet and shaking your tailfeathers!
Performing at Gretton Village Hall on Sunday 28th August, tickets cost just £10 per person and are available from Gretton Post Office and Stores. Please bring your own drinks, glasses and nibbles. All proceeds from this event will go to The Travers Foundation, a local charity supporting 13-30 year olds improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts. The following fabulous acts have also been confirmed to appear at this year's Gretton Music Festival: Nice N Easy - Friday 26th August, 8pm The Bluebell Inn, High Street - FREE admission. Opening the festival as always, The Bluebell are hosting this trio of vocalists who are definitely not a tribute act. There will be three 45 minute sets featuring songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr, Bobby Darin etc. If you like the Rat Pack, make sure you're in this audience! Swedish Delight - Friday 26th August, 9pm The Talbot, High Street - FREE admission. This delightful Scandi-style trio play country, folk, pop and chilled acoustic tunes with a twist, mixing guitar, dobro and ukulele with a sweet pinch of vocal harmonies. Relax and enjoy. Market Harborough Ukulele Group (MHUG) - Saturday 27th August, 11am, Lydia's Coffee Shop, High Street - FREE admission. The spirit of George Formby lives on with this fun group, playing a mixture of favourites old and new. Formed by a small group of friends in 2011 who'd been given the instruments but never learned how to play them, they now boast a membership of 90, although not all of them will be playing on the day as the coffee shop isn't the same size as the Royal Albert Hall! Music in the Park - Saturday 27th August, the afternoon event at Gretton Sports and Social Club, off Kirby Road - FREE admission. This will feature local bands and young musical talent performing in a marquee in the recreation ground. A bit like Glastonbury, but without the mud and with better loos. Big Bopper Disco Entertainment - Saturday 27th August, 6pm to 8.30pm, Gretton Sports and Social Club - FREE admission. With a vast library of music, Big Bopper really are the party experts. Complete with their state-of-the-art lighting, they create amazing light shows ranging from subtle to dynamic. The Andy Warrington Experience - Saturday 27th August, 7.30pm, Gretton Village Hall. This Peterborough-based band perform an eclectic mix of avant-garde pop and rock classics with an edge. Tickets cost £10 per person and are available from Gretton Post Office and Stores, with profits donated to the Gretton Pensioners' Christmas Party. Just Handsome - Saturday 27th August, 8.30pm, Gretton Sports and Social Club - FREE admission. This three-piece acoustic act cover multiple musical genres and have been part of the county's open mic scene for the past two years - now they're deservedly securing gigs in their own right. Viva Verdi & Viva Vino! - Sunday 28th August, 2pm to 4pm, The Yews - £10 per ticket, space is limited, so please e-mail martin@londoncityopera.co.uk to book a place. Hosted by impresario Martin McEvoy there will be the chance to hear and see some of the greatest scenes from Verdi with excerpts from La Traviata, Rigoletto, Aida and Don Carlos, performed at the world's greatest opera houses including The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, The Metropolitan in New York and La Scala, Milan. Ticket price includes wine and Italian bites. Tom Hall, plus the great sausage and cider fest - Sunday 28th August, The Talbot, High Street - FREE admission. Tom will be performing between 1pm and 3pm, and 8pm to 10pm. The sausages and cider will be available until they're sold out. Don't miss out on any of this! Open Mic Session - Monday 29th August, from 2pm, The Hatton Arms - FREE admission. Grab a mic and showcase your talent - all ages, abilities, groups or solo artistes welcome. ends Press information – Terry Forsey, Gretton Music Festival – 01536 771440 AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND, 2016The August Bank Holiday weekend just wouldn't be the same without the Gretton Music Festival.
Now in its seventh successful year, the event is Northamptonshire's biggest community-based music festival and is sponsored by Seatons Solicitors. Taking place at various venues throughout the village - including The Bluebell, Lydia's Coffee Shop, the Sports and Social Club, the Village Hall, The Talbot and The Hatton Arms - the fun kicks off on Friday 26th August and carries right on through until Monday 29th August. Last year's event attracted much media interest and was featured on BBC Look East, on BBC Radio Northampton and Leicester, and in the Northants Telegraph. This year's headline act is The Top Banana Band who wowed the crowd at last year's Open Mic session at The Hatton Arms. This local nine-piece funk, soul and blues group - who play a mixture of covers guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing - will be performing on Sunday 28th August at Gretton Village Hall. Other confirmed events include 'Viva, Verdi & Vino' courtesy of impresario and local resident Martin McEvoy who will share his knowledge and expertise of all things operatic with his audience over a glass or two of wine. The ever-popular Open Mic session - where solo artistes, duos or groups can perform - will take place at The Hatton Arms on the afternoon and early evening of Monday 29th August. Organizer Terry Forsey said: "We are very excited about this year's Gretton Music Festival, and we're thankful to have the sponsorship of local firm Seatons Solicitors again. "We are still in negotiation about much of the programme for this year's event, but we wanted to give you a brief taster of what you could expect from this popular festival." Further information will be released when more acts are confirmed.   Gretton Music Festival - taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Friday 28th August to Monday 31st August - is Northamptonshire's biggest community-based music festival.
Now in its sixth year, and sponsored by Seaton's Solicitors, the organizers are delighted to announce that Gretton shall once again be hosting the popular Rock 'n' Roll with Laughter show. Steve Ashcroft and Martin Lewis provide the tunes ranging from The Beatles, The Searchers and The Drifters though to Rod Stewart, Carole King, Neil Diamond and John Denver. The comedy comes courtesy of Doug Parker, a well-known Midlands stand-up comic, and proof that you don’t have to be ‘blue’ to be funny. Taking place at Gretton Village Hall on Sunday 30th August, starting at 7.30pm with a licensed bar until 11pm, tickets cost £10 and are available from Gretton Post Office and Stores. All proceeds from this show will go to the Travers Foundation. The following fabulous acts have also been confirmed to appear at this year's Gretton Music Festival: Purple Light District - Friday 28th August, 8pm The Bluebell, High Street - FREE admission A guitar duo playing hits from the 60s to today; Fabulous French - Saturday 29th August, 11am, Lydia's Coffee Shop - FREE admission A fun event aimed at junior festival goers, singing songs in French; Quantum Print Band Roast - Saturday 29th August, 12noon to 4pm, Gretton Sports Club - FREE admission Local singing talent of all ages, Corby Radio bus, all day hog roast and barbecue (food charges apply); Sweet Molly - Saturday 29th August, 4pm, Gretton Sports Club - FREE admission The best in Irish Trad, covers of The Dubliners, The Fureys and The Pogues; Frettlyst - Saturday 29th August, 8.30pm, Gretton Sports Club - FREE admission Covers band featuring the best of Indie, Rock and Pop; Tatcho Drom - Saturday 29th August, 7.30pm, Gretton Village Hall - £12 per ticket, available from Gretton Post Office and Stores, Musical inspiration for this band is provided by Romany Gypsies, the Balkans and Eastern Europe; Rocky Roots - Sunday 30th August, 3pm to 8pm, The Talbot - FREE admission Irish folk duo. The Talbot will also be hosting a 'Cider & Sausage Fest' showcasing eight real ciders and a selection of sausage flavours on the barbecue; Puccini, Prosecco, Pizza and Passion - Sunday 30th August, 2pm to 4pm, The Yews - £6 per ticket, space is limited, so please call Martin on 01536 770330 or e-mail martin@londoncityopera.co.uk to book a place. Hosted by impresario Martin McEvoy there will be the chance to hear and see some of the greatest scenes from Puccini, with extracts of La Boheme, Tosca, Madam Butterfly and Turandot. Open Mic Session - Monday 31st August, from 2pm, The Hatton Arms - FREE admission Grab a mic and showcase your talent - all ages, abilities, groups or solo artistes welcome! For further details please visit the Gretton Music Festival Website www.grettonmusicfestival.com ends Press information – Terry Forsey, Gretton Music Festival – 01536 771440 |
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