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
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
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