Exciting series of Uckfield gigs

Graham, who – as a hobby and a passion – organises live music events in and around the Uckfield area including Uckfield Blues & Roots Festival, has put a quality programme together for the Weald Hall at Uckfield Civic Centre.

Coming up (with tickets on sale via www.wegottickets.com) are:

May 21, Barber & Taylor, support acts Sam Brothers and Natasha Norodien

June 5, Spikedrivers with Fran McGillivary & Mike Burke performing as Saints & Sinners

June 16, Georgia Van Etten, support act Joel White

June 30, James Oliver Band, support act Brave Rival

July 10, Luke Jackson Trio, support act Barber & Taylor

July 23 and 24 Uckfield Blues & Roots Festival (including July 25 at The Highlands Inn)

July 30, Tommy Blaize, support act Joel White

September 18, Hatful of Rain

October 1, Hollie Rogers and Laura Evans (double header)

October 23, Aynsley Lister Trio

November 5, Tannahill Weavers

December 10, Tom Fitzpatrick Quartet

Graham said: “One thing that I think most people will agree with is that during the various lockdowns, music has played an increasingly essential part in their wellbeing, particularly with their mental health.

“As we emerge from the latest lockdown, I am hoping that whilst observing all the Covid regulations we will gradually be able to enjoy live music again, albeit with some reduced capacities.”

Graham suspects lots of people will be leaving it until after May 17, the next key date in lockdown easing, to buy their tickets: “I think people are just waiting to see what the current situation will be, and I suspect people are a bit nervous about being indoors until they know what that situation will be.

“But I am reasonably confident. My feeling is that a lot of people out there are desperate for – among other things – live music. But I do think people are well aware that we are stepping into unknown territory and that they are well aware that some of these events might not be able to take place.”

But Graham is buoyed by the fact these are the kinds of events which will attract perhaps a more mature audience – and therefore people more likely to have had both their jabs: “By May 21, you would expect people in that age range to have been fully vaccinated. And also the way the Covid situation is at the moment, it does seem to be going in the right direction which is good.

“I do think a lot of the performers are frustrated and are just chomping at the bit to get back out there. They just can’t wait to get going again. But I think people will wait a bit and then see that we are observing social distancing whether we need to or not. And I think the concerts are going to be cabaret style so that people can sit around a table in their own little bubbles and they will be able to order drinks to their tables. Once we have done one, then people will be more confident and more people will come back.”