Family Festival Celebrates City's Top Talent

Chester music lovers joined some of the region’s finest musicians for a community festival on Abbey Green on Saturday 14 May to celebrate the city’s music heritage.

'The Gathering' festival (facilitated by Alexanders Jazz Theatre), brought together hundreds of adults and children from the community to celebrate an afternoon of locally grown talent.

The one day festival, presented by Northern Shout Promotions, featured the very best in local bands, singer songwriters, dancers and DJs, including Ellesmere Port based headliners Broken 3 Ways and Chester duo Mercy Elise and Sarah Deboe.

Other acts on the day included The Bear Beats Band, What the Funk!, Zoco, Acrylic Street, Chemistry Lane, JohnPaul, Eastgate.

The crowd enjoyed a range of music from jazz to acoustic and folk while kids were entertained with a variety of interactive art workshops including a painting wall and face painting.

Festival goers were also treated to a parade and a spectacle of Latin dancers as well a range of stalls including crafts and vintage fashion.

"'The Gathering' aimed to bring together people from all walks of life to enjoy local arts and crafts whilst showcasing some of the best music that Chester has to offer", explains Ian Prewitt, Northern Shout Organiser.

"Despite the weather, there was a fantastic atmosphere and the acts really got the crowd going", he continues.

Holly Broad, Manager of Alexanders, comments: "Alexanders has always championed up and coming artists and we are delighted that so many took part in the festival."