The Cheese & Grain celebrated its 25th anniversary with a memorable party that brought the community together for a night of music and nostalgia earlier this month.
Located in the heart of Frome, the venue has been a cultural cornerstone for the town since its inception in 1998. Over the years, it has hosted a diverse range of events from live concerts and markets to community gatherings and fundraisers.
To mark a quarter-century of providing entertainment and fostering community spirit, the venue pulled out all the stops for a grand celebration on Sunday 17th September.
Residents and local dignitaries including Frome mayor cllr Philip Campagna and MP Sarah Dyke, joined the party to enjoy live performances from around 150 local people from local music groups and bands including Frome Town Band; Jackdaws Songbirds; Frome Youth Choir; Frome Street Bandits; the Frukes; Raggedy Men; Back of the Bus; A Bit Bigger and Big Dog.
Leader of Somerset Council, cllr Bill Revans cut the birthday cake, congratulating the venue on its ‘extraordinary success’ and telling the community the new council is committed to supporting the venue and the arts in general in Somerset in every way it could.
Director of the venue, Steve Macarthur said, “I was blown-away by the support and how willing people were to share their time and talent at the party.
“Somerset Council owns the building but the Cheese and Grain charity is independent and runs off income from its own social enterprise activities, needing no public grant or revenue support.”
Frome’s mayor cllr Philip Campagna said, “I was delighted to be asked to attend the Cheese and Grain’s 25th Birthday celebration, it really has become a centre of excellence over the years, representing as it does such a unique position in the community.
“From hosting bingo and exercise classes to household legends like Sir Paul McCartney and Foo Fighters, they really know how to operate at the heart of the community. And now with the addition of the studio they can really nurture the home-grown talent that they have always championed.
“From the brilliant Later With evening that the college put on each year to giving young bands the opportunity to support more well-known acts, they really do put their money where their mouth is. That is why it is so very important for everyone to get behind them and join in – whether volunteering or buying tickets or attending their community events. This way we can ensure we will be celebrating their 50th in another 25 years’ time!”
The Cheese and Grain opened in 1998 and is an 850-capacity venue in the heart of the town. To mark its 25th year, there have also been shows from artists including The Dualers, Pete Doherty, Martin Kemp and Jo Whiley, a patron of the Cheese and Grian charity, who rounded off two weeks of celebrations with her sell-out ‘90s Anthems set.
Special performances for the celebrations still to come include Cara Dillon, Ed Byrne, Ruby Wax and Craig Charles with many more events also scheduled.
To find out more about the charity and venue and how to become a member or ‘a Friend of the Cheese and Grain’ and its exciting autumn programme, visit, www.cheeseandgrain.com
