A charity musical festival is taking place this weekend.
On Sunday July 25 the Bear and Ragged Staff Inn, Bransford, will once again be hosting Bearfest.
The festival, in it’s eleventh year, is to raise money for the Midland Air Ambulance and has raised more than £38,000 across previous years.
The pub’s co-owner, Lynda Williams, is amazed at just how popular the event continues to be.
She said: “Who would have believed it! From humble beginnings on a stage constructed from pallets and scaffolding poles to a much-anticipated annual event with a superb stage and professional sound and lighting systems.
“We chose the Midlands Air Ambulance as it is a charity that everyone is more than happy to support and their vital, life-saving missions could not continue without fund raising in all forms.
“Almost everyone knows someone whose life has been saved by the Air Ambulance.”
Last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic but many of that line-up are scheduled to appear this weekend.
The line-up includes Witcher, Miss Em, Soul Stripper, Tazmin, Surrge and Project Vintage.
Headlining the festival is The Delray Rockets who have performed at the festival many times before.
Band leader Gaz le Bass said: “The Delray Rockets are pleased to be playing Bearfest once again, we feel supporting Air Ambulance is a massive worthwhile cause.
“It's a great venue, well run with a great team of organisers, sound and lighting crew. Very Family friendly with some terrific, handpicked acts.
Also on the line-up is Swim With Sharks, who play a wide range of genres but haven’t performed for over 16 months.
Bandmember Scott ‘Shark’ said: “Swim with sharks is really looking forward to making a debut at bear fest this year, supporting a really great cause and having an opportunity to get back out in the real word doing what we love.
“The band has been together over 20 years so watch out Rolling Stones we are catching you up!
“Bands and live music are an essential part of a good night, so let’s dust off the bars, get the doors open and let the show begin.”
In place of last year’s cancelled event was a live-streamed version, held by Upstage Events, with musicians recording sets especially for the event.
Miss Williams, who has co-owned the pub with her partner Gary Whitby since 1997, cannot wait to welcome a live audience once again.
She said: “Now the restrictions have been eased, we are really looking forward to having everyone back again.
“The tickets have been flying out, as everyone wants to get out and just have a good time.”
“Of course, as the event is outdoors in our massive garden, it is a much safer environment for people to visit. First Aid cover is provided by St. John Ambulance and there will be plenty of hand sanitiser available. Visitors are welcome to wear masks if they wish to do so and are requested to bring a chair!”
Tickets cost £10, while under 12s go free, and can be bought in advanced from the pub or on the day.
For further details, visit the website, www.bearfest.co.uk, or find them on Facebook or Twitter.
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