Preview: Party for Pete Fundraiser Returns to The Fleece

24th September 2017

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the live music and fundraising spectacular of Party for Pete returns to The Fleece next Sunday 1st October. Raising funds for St Peter’s Hospice, all proceeds from the packed all day schedule of local live music performances will help support vital end of life care for patients and their families in Bristol.

This year’s event features a line up of eleven bands and artists including hard rock/blues quintet Kikamora, up and coming alternative rockers Pixi Encore and, all the way from Germany, flamboyant glam metal group Night Laser. Long time supporters of the event Alannah Jackson, Ben Pang and The Longest Johns will also feature on the bill. As with all previous events, the performers will be kindly giving their time for free to ensure that all ticket sales go directly towards the fundraising total.

Over the last five years, the Party for Pete fundraising gigs have spanned 8 separate events featuring 65 live acts and have raised over £15,000 for the hospice. The idea to combine the enjoyment of live music with fundraising came from the event’s founder Sarah Smither who lost her husband James at 33 years of age in March 2012. Inspired by the love of live music they shared together, and grateful for the care provided by St Peter’s Hospice in the last weeks of his life, Sarah’s fundraisers have served as a fitting tribute to James’ memory. Sarah described James as “a very good people person” and this has been reflected in the fact that the amount raised in his name, from the Party for Pete gigs and other events, has now exceeded over £40,000.

“I think aside from the cash raised, what the gigs have done is bring the hospice to a new audience of people who may not think they’d need a resource like that whilst they’re still young,” says Sarah. “It’s also been a platform to explain that St Peter’s Hospice is a local charity and everything they donate goes directly to helping local people. Several members of bands who have played for us in the past also have connections and stories related to the hospice so it’s been great to involve them too.”

After her tireless efforts fundraising and organising annual gigs for the hospice over the last five years, Sarah is taking a well earned rest and this year’s event will be the ninth and final Party for Pete live music fundraiser. Therefore, it promises to be even more special and we’re hoping to see as many of you live music fans at The Fleece as possible. You can purchase tickets for the event here and, for anyone unable to attend but still wishing to donate, you can visit the Party for Pete JustGiving page.

For more information, including the full line up and schedule, visit the St Peter’s Hospice website.