CHARD may be an expanding music scene in South Somerset with the development of Somerset’s Unsigned and ChardRock festivals, but this September is set to see the launch of a new concert with a difference.

The Big Green Gig will see the town combine alternative live music with another growing passion for residents - saving the planet.

Tim Eggins is a member of Carbon Neutral Chard and Sustainable Chard, and was the town’s first Green Party councillor.

He is set to launch his new eco-friendly concert event on September 21.

It will feature eco-bands such as Regime and The Wing-Faced Earth Figs, and The Three Daft Monkeys, who are coming fresh off a performance at Glastonbury Festival.

The latter combines Cletic and eatern influences to create a ‘dynamic style of world folk music’.

Local folk singer-songwriter Sharon Lazibyrd is completing the lineup and will be performing tracks from her recent albums.

Mr Eggins said: “The Three Daft Monkeys are no strangers to Chard having performed for the Earth Hour event in 2018, with singer and fiddle player Athene Roberts once a pupil at Holyrood school.

“The evening also has guest speaker Amelia Womack who is the Deputy Leader of the Green Party celebrating the recent local success .

“The tickets for the evening are surprisingly good value for such a strong line up at £10 in advance or £12 on the night.”

Amelia Womack has served as deputy leader of the Green Party since September 2014, having been re-elected twice.

Doors are set to open at 7pm.

Tim added: “People are having to travel to Glastonbury, Frome and beyond to see good quality live music, and I believe there is no reason that Chard cannot be an entertainment destination where pubs and restaurants can benefit from the influx of music lovers.

“Indeed the Guildhall is a well designed venue with the potential of raising the towns profile hosting top music events.”

Ticket sales are being handled locally by the team at Eleos Cafe on Fore Street.

They are also set to be in attendance at the event serving their range of beverages and cakes, with a licensed bar for those wishing to sample something stronger.

Tim added: It will really be a night to remember.”

For more, search for The Big Green Gig on Facebook.