Brit Fest and Grouse Fest roar back to Chesterfield pubs for August bank holiday weekend

The Britannia Inn and The Grouse will be pulling in players and fans eager to toast the return of live music and raise money for good causes after the Covid 19 pandemic robbed them of making merry last year.

Radio presenter Becky Measures is looking forward to hosting Sunday’s event at The Britannia Inn on Old Hall Road. She said: “We love giving the opportunity to young talented bands and acts as well as the more established talent in the area. We don't just have rock bands, we have music from all genres so that there is always something for everyone.

“This year more than ever we can’t wait to give back to the crowd who, like all of us, have missed seeing live events!”

Brit Fest, which runs from 1pm to 9pm, will raise money for the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline, set up by Becky’s mum Wendy Watson 25 years ago.

Becky estimates that since Brit Fest’s inception nine years ago around £20,000 has been raised for the helpline, supported by the pub’s landlord and landlady Johnny and Jodie Wray making donations from bar sales.

This year revellers will be asked for a £2 donation on the gate towards the helpine.

Brit Fest will be paying tribute to Gracie Spinks, the 23-year-old music lover from Old Whittington whose death in June shocked the community. Becky said: “We will also be showing our support for Gracie's law by asking as many people as possible to wear purple and will have the Gracie's law petition at the event.”

Musicians playing at Brit Fest from 1pm include The Toad, Take The 7, Jack’s Plan, John Tansley, The Suffrajetz and The Marsden Band. The festival will also showcase upcoming artists and live sets from Ibiza and old school DJs.

Grouse Fest, which kicks off at noon on Sunday, will raise money for Chesterfield man Matt Evans, who has terminal cancer, and his family.

Pub manager Collette Pinnock said: “The last Grouse Fest was August bank holiday 2018 and I’m really looking forward to bringing back the live music to The Grouse, and helping to support a special family going through this hard time.”

Grouse Fest starts at midday and includes performances from Alfie Darling, Slowmo75, Angela Taylor, Wonderwhys (acoustic), Mimosa, Andrew Bradley, Suffrajetz and No Remorse. The event will be hosted by MC Sniper and include live DJs.

Sunday will be a busy day for The Suffrajetz who have signed up for both festivals. Guitarist/singer Rachel Rodgers said: “I've played both the Grouse Fest and Brit Fest many times with different bands and duos. It's always a great atmosphere at both venues and everyone is up for a good time. We look forward to playing them but also to see the other bands that are on."

The Suffrajetz’ latest signing, bassist Carlos Romero Alonso, will have his first experience of Brit Fest and Grouse Fest.

Drummer Sally Ruane said: “Carlos has played in different bands back in Seville playing guitar, drums and vocals but he’d never played bass in a band until he joined us. The three of us are not just band mates, we’ve become best friends too.”