After four months of refurbishment, the Cheese and Grain is set to be fully re-open in time for some spectacular Christmas events.
This will be the public’s first chance to see the brand new bar area at the front of the building, as well as the venue’s new box office. And it will also be the first time the public will be able to gain entry from the spectacular new entrance at the front of the building.
There are many more exciting additions to come, including the new meeting rooms, hot desks and café which will all be in use for the start of the New Year. The new rooms upstairs are already being booked rapidly for adult education classes and meetings, and the first batch of new concerts for the winter 2014 seasons are already selling fast.
The hall has hosted one of its busiest ever autumn seasons, despite having the foyer out of action, with packed houses for The South, Bellowhead, Eric Bibb, the Magic Numbers and Billy Bragg, amongst others.
And now a wide range of events are planned over the festive period. They include the Sgt. Pepper’s Christmas Party, Out Of Africa – New Year’s Eve Party, Acoustic Plus Christmas Special and a Christmas Boogie Wonderland with disco party music from the 1970s and the 1980 and the Big Christmas Get Together on Christmas Day.
• Sgt. Pepper’s Christmas Party! Annual seasonal extravaganza from the world-renowned Beatles tribute Sgt. Pepper’s Only Dart Board Band; having moved from their annual New Year’s Eve slot to a pre-Christmas festive party night on Saturday 14th December.
This Frome and Trowbridge-based band need little introduction to local audiences. In the last couple of months they have taken their new show featuring the ‘Revolver’ album in full to theatres around the UK to huge acclaim, and the first part of the show will be dedicated to this ground breaking album. Then, as the night goes on, all the great sing-a-long and dance numbers will be rolled out. Doors open at 8.00pm. Tickets are; adults £12.00 /child (under 16) £7 / family £32.
• Acoustic Plus – Friday 20th December – Christmas Special – It’s The Big Acoustic Plus Christmas Street Party!
Acoustic Plus will be transforming the Cheese and Grain into one big street with events happening up and the ‘street’ all night long. The event will culminate with the upcoming Bristol-based singer song writer starlet Sam Evans performing on the Cheese & Grain stage.
Acoustic Plus is a mainstay of the Cheese & Grain, providing great upcoming acts to perform in the venue. The now annual festive edition is being taken up a notch this year! The event will give you the chance to celebrate with amazing street-style entertainment, with Sam Evans, the Frome Street Bandits, Cabaret Sans Frontières, Doctor Mephisto, XJX and other jolly acts to help you dance your way into the holidays.
Eat, drink and be ready for plenty of surprises. Treat yourself to fabulous food and appetising ales from the café and bar. Doors open at 8.00pm. Tickets for all at £5 (£2.50 unwaged).
• Christmas Boogie Wonderland – Saturday 21st December – If you only go to one Christmas party this year make it this one!
Disco party music from the 1970s and the 1980s brought to you by Daddy Cool and Andrew St.John Discotheques.
Following the extreme popularity of the event held in May, the massive response following the event has prompted a return of Daddy Cool to the Cheese and Grain for a Christmas Special. Doors open at 8.00pm. Tickets are £8.00 in advance or £10.00 on the door.
• Out Of Africa – New Year’s Eve Party – Tuesday 31st December. Local charities SOS Africa and Mama Upendo’s Children’s Trust have teamed up to host an African-themed party for all the family. You are all invited to join in for an evening brimming with upbeat music, delicious food and great company.
With some exciting activities planned for the children to ensure that everyone has a great night, this is set to be a brilliant party and is a great opportunity for you and your families to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a bang whilst helping to raise vital funds for the SOS Africa Charity Children in South Africa and Mama Upendo’s Charity orphanage in Kenya.
This unforgettable night will be alive with all things African. Beginning with a feast of traditional food cooked by Sarah Hillman herself, founder of Mama Upendo Charity and winner of Channel 4’s ‘Come Dine with Me,’ followed by a live performance from ‘Congo Soukous Beats’ and support acts, ‘Twin Thing’ and ‘Kisella,’ – providing the rhythm to get you all dancing into the night. The bar will be is available and guests are also permitted to bring one bottle of sparkling wine per table. Doors open at 7.00pm. Tickets to include food are adults £19.50, children £5, or family (2 adults / 2 children) £45.
