The Anti-Pest Fest was only founded a couple of months ago, but it has took on a whole new meaning throughout the music scene in Norwich. The band Chicanes, who are rising through the ranks, came up with the idea after hearing stories about how some women had been treated by men in the scene. It’s a growing concern worldwide but for that little corner in Norfolk, UK, people wanted to do something about it. The Anti-Pest Fest was born.

With the prime charity, the Sue Lambert Trust, a norfolk-based charity providing vital support to victims of sexual abuse and violence, being the recipient of the charity funds. It was time to get fundraising.

Three more bands added their name to the bill. The Lara Price Band, The Winonas and Jakkels, came together to promote the gig and the charity as well as play on the night.

From the moment people started turning up the Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom venue in Norwich, the excitement was high, grabbing drinks from the bar and buying tickets for the raffle that would be happening later in the night, everyone was fully aware that they were there for fun but also, sending a message and supporting a great cause.

First up, Jakkels took to the stage with there melodic singing and soft rock sound. The crowd were mesmerized from the beginning, swaying to the sound. When the band switched up their set with a cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You”, everyone was quietly singing along with the joint vocals of Milly Anna and Jake. Their harmonies rang out around the small venue, giving you goosebumps on your arms.

Next up, we had The Winonas. Their fast paced, loud sound, had everyone moving from the first beat. With James on lead vocals and guitar, he commanded the room. The Winonas thrusted their punk sound to the crowd and they caught it with both hands. Powerful lyrics and statements were just the tip of the iceberg. The atmosphere growing for the rest of the night.

Throughout the night there were two representatives from the Sue Lambert Trust there. Kim and Helen were willing to talk to anyone who had any questions and wanted more information. Kim took to the stage at 9pm to talk to the room about the amazing charity and how all the money raised would go to help those who need it.

The Sue Lambert Trust is a completely free specialized service for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence. One in four women, in England and Wales, are survivors of sexual violence. This trust offers help for those in need. Offering counselling, wellbeing services and therapy for many survivors in Norfolk.

For more details, head to their website where you find much more information.

suelamberttrust.org

Next up, The Lara Price Band hit the stage. The excitement for this band radiated around the room. Lara and her band have been phenomenally rocking the Norwich music scene for some time and the atmosphere was electric. Bodies danced in the small venue as Lara’s vocals rang out. The loud, power sound of the band kept that energy rising higher and higher.

After Lara and her band come off stage, the raffle drawing took place. Prizes of local burger restaurant BunX vouchers, a Future Radio experience day, MOT tests, a Guitar maintenance voucher, along with several other prizes, all supplied by local businesses that wanted to support the cause. The lucky winners were ecstatic at their prizes.

For the finale, Chicanes hit the stage. They only had time for a four song set but they made it memorable. Playing fan favorites such as “Livid” and “Slow Death”, had the crowd dancing with their arms in the air. Chicanes then changed it up, bringing in a little more fun to the gig goers in the room, with covers of Fall Out Boy’s “Going Down” and Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag”.

Chants of “One More Song” and requests for some of the bands back catalogue songs filled the room after the set was finished. Unfortunately, as all shows, there has to be an end, even if it wasn’t wanted.

It was an amazing night full of outstanding music for an outstanding cause. It was wonderful to see everyone reaching to their pockets and leave a little bit of change in a charity bucket as they left the venue. It was a night full of fun, laughter and dancing but still remembering the theme for the night, and that was for the survivors. A massive well done to everyone who is involved to make this night an absolute success. It is truly heartwarming to see a group of people coming together for such a good cause.

Again, for more information about the Sue Lambert Trust, check out their website

suelamberttrust.org

To find out more about the bands that played on the night, check out their Instagrams

@chicanes

@larapriceband

@thewinonas

@jakkels

Words and pictures by Haylea Allison

Full Gallery

Jakkels

The Winonas

Lara Price Band

Chicanes