The first open mic session took place on The Woodland Stage at Cafe HNW in Keswick’s Upper Fitz Park despite the atrocious weather.
A number of musicians took to the stage to play to a hardy crowd braving the rain.
The session was the first of the summer music schedule organised by Cafe HNW on Saturday July 15.
To help this first gig go with a bang, the cafe served attendees with a selection of free gin and tonics from spirits provided by Grasmere Brewery and Distillery, a family-owned business producing dry, pink berry and blood orange gins in the centre of the village.
In addition to the free G&T samples, to get the party started, the crowd enjoyed music and singing from local artists such as Paul Nicholson and Chris Evans, all co-ordinated and compered by local musician and DJ, Darren Farnham.
Darren, who had organised the gig along with Debbie Devereux and Matt Riley, of Cafe HNW, said: “There is a big live music scene in Keswick and it’s a great idea of Debbie and Matt’s to have a small outside venue that can host local acts, providing something different for locals and visitors alike.
“I’m looking forward to the next session, good old Cumbrian weather permitting!”
Justin Farnan, whose business Skiddaw PM has just taken on a marketing and distribution role with the Grasmere Distillery said: “Debbie and Matt have done such a great job since taking over the cafe last summer really making it into a destination.
“When they found out I was working with Grasmere Distillery, we chatted about how we could support their first gig while also celebrating them being the first bar or cafe in town to have the gins on their shelves.
“Free gin and tonic samples seemed like a good way to do it, which we think was appreciated by everyone who tried them!”
The cafe in Upper Fitz Park has become increasingly popular since Debbie and Matt took it over in April 2022, changing it from just the place to hire sports equipment into a thriving community hub.
As Debbie explains “We’ve been delighted with how the cafe has evolved over the past year. The Woodland Stage has now added an extra dimension allowing us to entertain our customers while enjoying local produce such as Dark House Coffee, Cakes from the Lakes, and now Grasmere Gin.”
More details forthcoming session can be found on the Café HWN Keswick Facebook page and website www.cafehnw.co.uk.
