For the past 25 years, a traditional gathering of Gretton folk, who named themselves “Stickholders Tin and Lightermen”, have hosted an Annual Cricket Match that takes place at the Gretton Playing Fields and Sports and Social Club. The event is very well known and supported throughout the village every year with all proceeds going to Macmillan Nurses.

This year celebrates the Silver Anniversary of this event and is sure to be a great celebration for all who take part and support it. This event always involves music at some point during the day, which is why the Chairman, Ralph Binder was so enthusiastic in involving this event in the first Gretton Music Festival.

“We are delighted to celebrate our Silver Anniversary and would like to thank the Gretton Silver Band for their support to make this a truly excellent day. Everyone is welcome and good weather is always guaranteed”, Ralph Binder, Chairman.

The event kicks off at 2pm with the Gretton Silver Band performing their interpretations of well known cricket anthems. This is followed by the cricket toss up at 2.30pm.

You won’t go hungry during the event as a barbeque and refreshments will be on offer all afternoon.

The annual cricket presentation awards and medals will begin at 5.30pm with a charity auction and team songs starting at 6pm. Donations are needed for the charity auction, so if you wish to donate any items please take them along to The Bluebell Pub, High Street, Gretton. As Ralph Binder, Chairman put it, “If you’ve got it and don’t need it. We want it and will flog it”

The grand finale sees local singer Katie Read “Wedding Singer” take to the stage at 7pm. Katie’s exciting performance will help make this a truly memorable 25th Anniversary celebration. To find more out about Katie visit www.katieread.com

Are you an opera star in the making or would you just like to learn or improve your singing and performing techniques? Do not miss this opportunity to take part in the “Anyone can sing” Master Class given by Martin McEvoy.

Martin McEvoy, professional opera singer, BBC broadcaster and coach is supporting the Gretton Music Festival by hosting two Master Class on Saturday 28th August. From Italian Bel Canto Classical operatic singing through to Broadway themes from Rogers and Hammerstein, Martin’s Master Class will cover a variety of singing styles and techniques.

The “Anyone can sing” events are taking place at 2pm and 5pm, both will be held at The Garden Studio, The Yews, High Street in Gretton. If you want to take place in a Master Class or to just go along and listen you must book your place in advance as there is limited availability. The 2pm Master class is already fully booked.

On Sunday it’s back to the Opera again at the Garden Studio with “Opera for Dummies”. A very light-hearted (but very informative) lesson in the history of opera given by Martin McEvoy, himself. Everything you wanted to know but were too afraid to ask! The lesson will include tales of temperamental tenors and demanding divas with the opportunity to watch archive scenes from some of the world’s greatest operas.

Martin McEvoy had a very successful career as a soloist with a number of Opera Companies mainly the English Opera Group, English Music Theatre Company, New Sadler's Wells Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera North and The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, to name but a few! Martin McEvoy founded two of his own Opera companies, Crystal Clear Opera and London City Opera that toured throughout the UK, Europe and America gaining great critical acclaim and Arts Council awards.

After returning from America with his touring Opera Company, Martin became in great demand as a coach and teacher, not only for singing, but for stage technique and presentation skills too. He broadcasts regularly on BBC radio talking about opera and performance.
Admission to the ‘Anyone can sing’ Master classes or the ‘Opera for Dummies’ lesson is by donation. Any proceeds from the admissions and Pimms tent will go to support the local M.S Society.

Come August Bank Holiday, Gretton will come alive with music to suit all tastes and all ages. Gretton’s three pubs are joining in with the fun and providing great venues to offer some very exciting and entertaining musical events.

The Gretton Music Festival kicks off on Friday night 8pm at The Bluebell, with an evening of Sinatra’s most well-known and loved songs sung by popular local singer Fred Sinatra. Its back to The Bluebell on Saturday night 8pm where electric duo Catch 22 will be performing a wide range of songs from the 60s through to today’s popular music.

If you would rather be on the stage than be part of the audience then come and take the microphone at the Open Mic Session taking place at The Hatton Arms on Monday afternoon from 2pm, where Julie and Neil are welcoming all ages and abilities whether you are a group or an individual. From punks to divas, from folk singers to grunge singers – the more musical styles, the better!

Also on Bank Holiday Monday from 2.30pm at The Talbot Inn, Gurning Worm will be playing music to suit all ages in the pub garden. Whilst you are there why not enjoy Dicky’s Hog Roast starring a locally reared hog!