Friday 4th February 2011
A unique gig, hoping to become an annual event, is being organised in Chesterfield in order to raise money for a leading cancer charity.
Spirefest, due to take place on April 9th at the Winding Wheel, aims to benefit Cancer Research UK.
 Visitors are expected to come from all over the UK to the event - an all day Guitar Fest with a Guitar Show, Battle of the Bands competition and live gig from leading rock/blues star Chantel McGregor (pictured left).
The Chesterfield Post spoke to Brian Bannister and daughter Amy, herself an accomplished performer on the guitar scene, who are behind the event.
Brian told us that there is a very personal reason why Cancer Research is their chosen charity, "1 in 3 people are affected by cancer. I lost my dad to cancer a few years ago, my father-in-law has had 3 different types but beaten them all and that's down to Cancer Research. It is the leading light in helping people with cancer and anything we can do to help, we want to."
Over 300 people are expected at the event, which will be broken down into 3 parts as Brian explains, "There'll be a Guitar Show, which we believe will be the first in Chesterfield. Manufacturers will come along and visitors can look at the guitars, get advice from the experts, be able to play on them and learn about them. All guitars, amps, effects pedals and accessories will be for sale on the day.
"An afternoon 'Battle of the Bands' will follow, featuring 3 bands; Mutz Nutz, IndigoChild and The Great Escape Artists, who will compete for a chance to be the support act for Chantel [McGregor].
"Buckets for donations will be passed around the audience during each performance and the band raising the most cash will get the gig.
"This will all be followed by the live performance by Chantel McGregor, recently featured on Radio 2."
There is also a Charity Auction, with drum sticks from Roger Taylor (Queen) and hopefully signed goods from 10cc. Tickets and a signed DVD have also been donated by Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash.
Amy Bannister, who's 10, is also behind the event. She is already a veteran of various gigs and radio shows. She has 7 guitars and has been warned by mum that there are no more being bought at the show!
Her reasons for putting on the show, "We're raising money for the charity. It's a worthy cause and make you feel really happy to know that if they find a cure for cancer you may have a little part in that. It's all come about from us just talking. I want to have a career in music - it's my life, I want to be a musician when I'm older, and this is good experience".
Tickets are on sale from the Winding Wheel and are priced for individual events or at a special rate for he whole day. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Guitar Show, plus Battle of the Bands - £5, Children Free
Chantel McGregor concert plus support - £12, Children £6
All day - £15, children £6
Sponsorship deals are available for the event. Please email Brian at info@spirefest.co.uk
Links to the various sites associated with the event are featured below -
www.chantelmcgregor.com
www.myspace.com/thegreatescapeartists1
www.the-mutz-nutz.com
www.myspace.com/indigochildrock
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