Music

Bands get a safe place to showcase

By Stephen Lloyd
May 15, 2008

Young bands are being given a chance to promote their talents at live music nights.

Before the Blackout Events is offering budding bands a place to perform and those not in a group a safe and enjoyable evening of live music.

Project leader Gareth Varndell has chosen the Fleet and Church Crookham area for his first venture.

“Church Crookham and Fleet are two places that are buzzing with young people who have very few facilities available to them,” he said.

“With this in mind we have set out to organise regular live music events in Church Crookham.”

The first live music night will be held at the Memorial Hall in Sandy Lane on Saturday, featuring five local school and college-age bands.

“The problem with offering these kinds of events is that they are very costly to run,” said Gareth.

“We knew we would need help if we were able to offer this great source of opportunities and entertainment for local youth on a regular basis.”

Thankfully help was just around the corner, courtesy of Fleet’s Hart Shopping Centre, which has pledged cash in order for events to run in the area.

Gareth said: “The support we have received from Caroleanne and Stuart at the Hart centre has been fantastic.

“Their backing means that live music both for young budding bands and their fans has been safeguarded, with a prosperous future ahead.

“We really cannot stress how much the Hart centre’s support means to us, local bands and all the kids who come to our shows.”

Centre manager Caroleanne Baker said: “It is very important to us to support the small local charities and community projects in the local area.

“We support three of the local schools as well as individual people doing extraordinary things.”

Before The Blackout Events aims to offer the best in music entertainment while offering a safe and enjoyable all-ages environment.

It operates a strict no alcohol and drugs-free policy at all its shows, which are manned by trained events and security staff for the safety and well-being of customers.

Gareth said: “It is hoped that the team’s efforts will have a positive effect on young people and help curb antisocial behaviour in the area, which is often caused by boredom.

“With the support of Hart Shopping, we look forward to a long stay in Church Crookham and hope to expand our work out into other local towns.”

The first Church Crookham live music night is set to feature Look Left Look Left, Five Aces Black, Ugmosis, The Sound Inside and Cities Of Glass.

Tickets are available from the bands in advance at £3.50 or on the door at £4.

The doors open at 7pm. For more details call Gareth on 07837 206648.