Supergrass play sold-out gig to support community campaign

Britpop icons Supergrass took to the stage at a packed Cheese and Grain delivering a fundraising gig in support of the local campaign to save Packsaddle Fields from development.

The sell-out show, which was a headline Frome Festival event, took place on Friday 11th July with support from local indie band Lumley.

All ticket sale proceeds are being donated to People for Packsaddle’s fundraising campaign. The group is urgently trying to raise £10,000 to cover legal costs in their effort to prevent development on Packsaddle Fields, located on the northern edge of Frome.

Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey, who lives in Frome, supports the campaign. The band performed their debut album I Should Coco in full to mark its 30th anniversary, followed by a selection of their well-known songs, including Alright, Caught by the Fuzz, and Mansize Rooster.

On the night, Frome’s Town Crier Martin Scott compered the evening, reading a creative and humorous ‘cry’ between bands.

People for Packsaddle spokesperson Toby Cluff, said, “We want to say an enormous ‘thank you’ to everyone who made this incredible night happen – Supergrass and all their crew, Danny Goffey, Frome Festival, the Cheese and Grain and all the staff who worked so hard on the night, Lumley and Mike Ford and everyone who bought a ticket,”

“We hope people who were lucky enough to be there enjoyed it as much as we did! The planning appeal starts on 12th August and the money raised from the gig will be a big help. Our committee and legal team are working hard behind the scenes, ensuring we can make the best case possible to save Packsaddle Community Fields from development. Thank you everyone for your support, helping us protect these fields we love so much.”

Joining the People for Packsaddle group on the night were members of the wider community. One resident said she thought it was ‘fantastic’ the local community had joined forces for the event.

“We think it is brilliant that Supergrass are here at the Cheese and Grain,” she said. “We don’t live near Packsaddle but we are really supportive of the campaign. A friend of mine knows someone who lives near the fields who has said they will just have to move if the development goes ahead. Isn’t it brilliant that Supergrass came to do this?”