The Victoria Inn will host a special day of live music on Saturday, 4th July, celebrating one of the biggest supporters of Colchester’s grassroots music scene – Lesley Watson.
Anyone involved in local music over the last few years will probably have crossed paths with Lesley at some point. Through her work with HMV and the #hmvlivendlocal initiative, she has helped champion emerging artists across Colchester and Essex, while also becoming one of the scene’s most familiar and supportive faces.
Now the Victoria Inn is putting on a full afternoon and evening of music in her honour, with Lesley selecting some of her favourite acts to perform across the day.
The event starts at 2pm and will feature live performances from a line-up packed with well-known local names throughout the day. Money will also be raised for charity during the event.
Lesley Watson’s passion for grassroots music and live performance has helped connect artists, venues and audiences across the city, and this event feels like a reflection of that community spirit. It’s also a chance to celebrate somebody who spends a huge amount of time supporting gigs, promoting artists and encouraging people to get involved with local music.
The Line Up
DJ Ben Howard
Ben Howard of Keep Colchester Cool has been a DJ since 1988, playing everything from indie and alternative favourites to soul, funk, disco and rave anthems. His eclectic sets focus on atmosphere, crowd connection and big moments, whether in clubs, pubs, festivals or daytime discos.
Roberto Wonder
Guitarist and singer with The Punk Freud and guitarist with The Wicked Ravens. With none of his bandmates currently talking to him, or so he tells us, Roberto is going commando – or should that be solo? Normally more accustomed to making the kind of noise that makes horses fall over, he’ll be stripping things back for a Jack White-style guitar-and-vocal set. Inspired by all music but still slightly frightened of jazz.
Rob Lewis
Rob Lewis has spent many years playing live music in bars, pubs, clubs and festivals around the country, including Ipswich Music Day, Love Felixstowe, High Roads and Stowfiesta, both solo and with a number of bands. Alongside his solo work, Rob fronts country covers band Stetsons Are Cool, hosts weekly radio show Rob’s Country Bunker, and is lead singer and guitarist for 90s indie/Britpop covers band Game On.
Vincent Vermillion
Writing songs from the age of 15, Vincent Vermillion delivers songs straight from the heart. Inspired by artists including Matchbox Twenty, Muse, Blur, and The Strokes, he found his sound after hearing Lightning Bolt by Jake Bugg, which kick-started his ambition to become a musician. Often compared to Johnny Cash, Jake Bugg, Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan, Vincent’s music combines raw emotion and honesty, with songs designed to paint vivid pictures and albums created like galleries.
Evy Frearson
Evy Frearson is a 22-year-old British alternative floaty-rock artist whose writing and playing style draws inspiration from 90s legends alongside more contemporary influences, including Jeff Buckley, Yebba and John Mayer. Evy has already received national and international radio support from BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, Planet Rock and more, with BBC 6’s Tom Robinson describing her music as having “a deep, rich, immersive sound”.
Amy Fry
Amy Fry, songwriter and frontwoman of grunge outfit Swines, previously a member of Ometra, Vellocetta and Rizzo, plays a solo show fresh from a recent Keep Colchester Cool and Best Days Vintage gig at Colchester Arts Centre.
Polly Haynes
Polly Haynes has shared stages with multi-platinum artists, performed at established venues across the country, and appeared at boutique festivals, including Cornbury Music Festival. Her music blends elements of jazz, rock, soul and roots, and she has received support from BBC Introducing, BBC Essex and BBC Suffolk. Over the years, she has appeared on line-ups featuring artists including Alanis Morissette, Mavis Staples, and the late Jimmy Cliff.
Fat Pigeon
Fat Pigeon are a ferocious, kick-ass British rhythm and blues-influenced collective. They have shared a stage with many bands, including PH2 (Purple Hearts), Chris Pope and Small World, and have built a reputation for energetic, foot-stomping live performances and rave reviews.
Running order for the day is:
Saturday 4th July – from 2pm
2pm – DJ Ben Howard
2.30pm – Roberto Wonder
3pm – Vincent Vermillion
3.40pm – Rob Lewis
4.20pm – Evy Frearson
5pm – Amy Fry (Swines)
5.40pm – Polly Haynes
6.15pm – DJ Ben Howard
7pm – Fat Pigeon
8pm – DJ Ben Howard
If Lesley has ever helped you discover a band, promoted a gig, supported your music or simply made you feel welcome in the local scene, this feels like a good opportunity to show your appreciation.
Come down, enjoy the music, a beer, and help give something back to someone who has spent years supporting everyone else, while also raising money for a worthy cause.
See you at the bar, and let’s keep live music alive!!
