Festival fundraiser to feature 16 bands for hospice
Some of the region’s hottest bands are preparing to help raise funds for St Peter’s Hospice by playing a ‘Fundraiser Festival’ at the renowned Fleece on St Thomas Street in Bristol.
Taking place on Saturday 7 September the festival line-up features 16 local bands including Written in Kings, Soul Vaccination, Makala Cheung, Clair Lebrocq & the Bordellos and Sons of Sunday.
Part of the charity’s Party for Pete initiative other acts at the festival include Sound Confession, Sam Evans, Rated, Breach & Clear, Delgard and Ben Pang.
The driving force behind the show is Bedminster resident Sarah Smither who is organising the night of live music in memory of her husband James (33) who passed away last March following a fierce battle with bowel cancer.
Sarah first held a Party for Pete, dubbed ‘Gig for Pete’, in September last year and launched the 2013 Party for Pete campaign at the Fleece back in May, with another sell out concert. The events have proven so successful that Sarah decided to expand the evening and organise a full festival of music.
Sarah said: “The gigs we’ve organised so far have been a huge success and raised a really good amount for the hospice. The feedback I’ve got from people who have come along has also been wonderful so I’ve decided to make it an annual thing.
“This September we’re going all out and I’m so pleased with the acts we’ve got signed up. The Fleece is a fantastic Bristol venue so I’m really looking forward to it.
“St Peter’s Hospice offered myself and James’ family the most unbelievable care and support when we needed it so I’m delighted to be able to give something back and sing the praises of the work it does.”
As well as featuring acts Jamie Edmundson, Jonathan Darley & Christy White, With Nell & I, Fires and Rich Coveney the festival will also have a Party for Pete raffle and a food stall.
The festival begins at midday on 7 September until midnight when a new club night ‘Earth, Wind and Fleece’ will take over providing the best cheese, pop, soul and disco music until 4am.
Petra Littlefair, community fundraiser at St Peter’s Hospice said: “I’m so excited for the Fundraiser Festival and really proud of Sarah for organising another awesome event. The gig has grown over the past year and the success just goes to show what people can achieve for a good cause.
“It’s going to be a great night out in a fabulous Bristol venue so I hope lots of Bristolians support in aid of the city’s only adult hospice.
“Party for Pete is a really fun way of raising money as you can plan any party on any theme you like rather than have to fit in with our arrangements! You could hold a classy cocktail party, an adults’ fancy dress party or a children’s party - it’s up to you. All we ask is that partygoers make their donations to the charity.”
If you would like to hold a ‘Party for Pete’, please contact the fundraising office on 01275 391 430 for a registration form, email petra.littlefair[at]stpetershospice.org.uk or register online at stpetershospice.org
Now in its 35th anniversary year St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members. It costs £6.8 million to run the hospice with 77% of that coming from the generosity of public support.
Tickets for the Fleece Festival Fundraiser cost £8 in advance and £10 on the door. To get yours call 0117 929 9008 or visit thefleece.co.uk
