Menu of melodies set to ring out for Food Festival shoppers in Bell Court

IF music be the food of love then head over to Stratford’s Bell Court next month where there’s a feast of musicians ready to entertain festival shoppers.

Music from a variety of bands and vocalists will set the tone for this year’s annual Food Festival, which showcases local artisan food and drink producers in the form of more than 120 stalls, plus pop-up bars and cooking and cocktail making demonstrations.

Running between September 30th, 1st and 2nd October, visitors will be able to eat their way around the world with stunning street food and some of the finest producers of dairy products, baked goods and sweet treats.

And Bell Court will feed into the food festival vibe throughout the three days by serving up a menu of live music from a variety of local bands and vocalists.

Bass Chatfield (Friday 11.45am-12.30pm and 1pm-1.45pm)
Using a bass guitar, acoustic guitar, beatboxing and looping, James Chatfield is a new take on the one-man band, with occasional expansions to drum kits and glockenspiels and vocals.

James, who has been performing for more than five years, said: “This unique approach has gathered crowds around me on the streets, and those moments are incredible. To see the joy of strangers coming together and sharing this moment makes me want to do it more – it’s all about spreading joy and connecting strangers.”

Louise James (Performing Friday 2.15pm-3pm)
Louise James is a professional singer and vocal coach from Stratford with years of experience singing soul classics through to chart music and is regularly booked for her Adele Tribute.

Stratford Vocal students (Performing Friday 3.15pm-4pm)
Stratford Vocals is made up of local women from all age groups who love to harmonise classic upbeat songs from all eras. A mixture of altos and sopranos, they have been together just over six months.

Wes Finch (Performing Sunday 1.45pm-2.30pm and 3.00pm -3.45pm)
A Coventry artist who writes and records original material under the names Wes Finch, The Silver Wye and with the poetry inspired, string-led group The Mechanicals Band. Expect to hear a selection of pop, rock, folk and country covers from the likes of Paul Simon, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac and Van Morrison.

Foregate Brothers (Performing Sunday 12.15pm – 1.00pm and 1.10pm – 1.45pm)
The band, made up of Stratford’s David Bristow and Andy Dent from Worcester, has enjoyed regular appearances at blues and jazz clubs and festivals across the Midlands. With a unique mellow jazz and blues style, the Foregate Brothers will be playing songs from the 30’s and 40’s as well as originals with a vintage pre-war era style.

Rich Jones, Centre Manager of Bell Court, said: “The Stratford upon Avon Food Festival is always a brilliant weekend for the whole town and this year will not be any different. At Bell Court, there will be a fantastic buzz over the weekend as we host live music across the three days. We’re proud to have a fantastic food and drink offering and we’re looking forward to welcoming those visiting the town to Bell Court.”

The free-to-attend Stratford Food Festival is open 30 September, 10am to 8pm, 1 October, 10am to 8pm & 2 October, 10am to 5pm.  Further information is available at: https://stratforduponavonbid.co.uk/food-festival/

RSC & Bell Court Ticket Giveaway

This August, Bell Court & the Royal Shakespeare Company are giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Richard III at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford upon Avon.

To enter, head over to either the Bell Court Facebook Page or Instagram channel & follow the instructions!

You’ll need to comment on the competition announcement post and follow/like Bell Court’s Instagram or Facebook page.

Good luck!

“Conscience is but a word that cowards use”

Young Richard of Gloucester uses the chaos of the Wars of the Roses to begin his unscrupulous climb to power. Despite being manifestly unfit to govern, he seizes the crown, as King Richard III. But how does he do it?
How do we let tyrants get away with it? How do they find their way to power? Why do we buy into it? And how can it be stopped?

Richard III is a savagely comic analysis of the exercise of power. It reminds us both of the dangers of tyranny and of our duty not to let it go unchecked.

Directed by Gregory Doran and featuring Arthur Hughes (Vassa, The Innocents, #Sugarwater, Then Barbara met Alan) as Richard, this is the thrilling climax to Shakespeare’s first great history cycle.

Terms & Conditions Apply

Draper’s Independents Award Finalist Press Release 2022

We are delighted to announce that Gemini Woman has been shortlisted in the BEST MULTICHANNEL INDEPENDENT category for this year’s Draper’s Independents Awards 2022. They have been recognised for their achievements throughout the Pandemic and the last 12 months.

This year the “The focus now is on how to do business better – becoming more responsible, sustainable and digitally savvy, while still providing customers with top-quality, beautifully designed product…Drapers Independents Awards will celebrate the best in independent fashion retailing through this lens.”

We will keep you posted on our social media with all the latest news regarding their shortlisting.

Gemini look look forward to attending this year’s award ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on the 22nd September 2022 to find out the results.

Wish them luck!