Ye Olde Fighting Cocks gears up for Fighting Cocks Fest

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Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is gearing up for its biggest Fighting Cocks Fest yet.

Following last year's record-breaking attendance, the historic St Albans pub is set to host its annual free festival for the fourth time.

On Saturday, August 1, the pub will welcome music enthusiasts to enjoy a day filled with live performances from eight acts, alongside an array of food, drinks, and family-friendly activities.

Fighting Cocks Fest returns with live music lineup (Image: Fighting Cocks Fest)

The festival, which provides a platform for musicians from Hertfordshire and beyond, is an opportunity for local talent to showcase their skills at one of the city’s most renowned venues.

The line-up features a variety of genres, including blues favourites Kaspar 'Berry' Rapkin & The Swamp Dogs, 1950s and '60s rhythm and blues band Two Gun Mathilda, and the energetic Savannah Gardner & The Recovering Good Girls, known for their country, Americana, and blues sound.

The Paul Ryan Band will also entertain festival-goers with their mix of indie, folk, Americana, and rock.

Other performers include the Seb Wesson Band, acoustic duo Adam and Elsie Franklin, singer-songwriter Marta Valadon, and award-winning British blues-rock artist Brooke Law.

The evening will conclude with a DJ set from Chris Clifford, who will be spinning popular house dance-floor fillers and club classics.

The festivities kick off at 1pm with free entry for all.

Festival-goers can also enjoy a variety of food options, the pub's selection of beers and ales, and unique entertainment such as fire-breathing performances.

Pub owner Martin Robinson expressed his excitement for the upcoming event: "Fighting Cocks Fest has become one of our favourite days of the year.

"It's all about bringing people together to enjoy great live music while supporting talented local artists in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

"We're incredibly lucky to have so much musical talent on our doorstep and we're proud to give these performers a stage at one of St Albans' most iconic venues.

Free music festival brings crowds to historic pub (Image: Fighting Cocks Fest)

"Whether you're a regular or visiting for the first time, we'd love to see you."

The pub is urging attendees to arrive early to enjoy the full line-up, with the music continuing into the evening.

No tickets are required for the festival.

For more information, visit the pub’s Instagram at fightingcockssa.

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