Summer goes on at ‘Fest-i-Bell’ on the Common

BANDS, beers and barbecue food are top of the menu at The Bell on the Common in Broughton Gifford next weekend.

The first ever Fest-i-Bell will be held at the popular village pub on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September, and will bring the common to life with live music, good food and a huge range of real ales, ciders and perries.

The two-day party is being held to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care and Macmillan Cancer Support; charities close to the organisers’ hearts.

Bell landlord and event organiser Dougie Campbell tells Melksham News, “Preparations are going  well and we’re very excited for next weekend. This will be the first time we’ve held this at The Bell but we’d love to make it a regular thing.

“There’s going to be something for everyone going on, with 20 different bands spread over an acoustic stage inside and a loud one outside. We’ll  have loads of ales and ciders available, including ones not made by Wadworth’s; it’s the first time we have done that, too.

“Church Farm will be putting on a hog roast on both days and we’ll have a brilliant vegetarian barbecue; it won’t be Quorn!”

Live music will include headline sets from veteran folk-rockers Billy in the Lowground (Saturday) and ska punk posse Boot Hill All Stars on Sunday.

There will be a raffle held on the day and the current top prize being a hot air balloon trip over Bath. Entry is free but charity donations are encouraged.

“Both mine and my partner Trish’s families have been badly affected by cancer over the past year, and these charities are both close to our hearts.

“We’d love to raise at least £1,000 for each of them and are hoping people will help us get there. People I’ve spoken to are excited about the weekend and a lot of local businesses are getting involved. It’s definitely going to be a brilliant weekend, and  even better if this heatwave continues!”

The Bell on the Common will also be selling souvenir pint glasses on the day for £3.50, with £2 from each glass going to charity.

Fest-i-Bell starts at 11am on Saturday 3rd September, and from 12pm on Sunday 4th.

For more information call Dougie or Trish on 01225 782309.