Macclesfield: what are you doing this Bank Holiday weekend?

For today's Event of the Week piece, we profile Swanload 2021, an epic Macc music festival which raises money for a good cause.

Before we detail this weekend's event, don't forget you can promote your upcoming Macclesfield event for FREE on the Macclesfield Nub News What's On section.

On Saturday August 28 and August 29, a Chestergate pub will celebrate the best of the Macclesfield music scene.

The Swan with Two Necks, located on 65 Chestergate, has been run by Andy and Wendy Smith for the past two decades. They have championed live music at the pub, such as hosting Swanload.

The music festival happens every year at The Swan With Two Necks, usually on the May Bank Holiday weekend.

But when the pandemic hit they had to cancel the 2020 edition and postpone 2021's to the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Macclesfield Nub News spoke to Kiara Bailey, organiser for the Macclesfield music festival.

"Live music is a huge part of the pubs identity, and the festival helps raise money for various charities each year, so we're thrilled that we're able to host the event in all its glory," she said.

"This charity for this year is Stroke Association UK, and it's also in honour of my late father, Derek Jervis [pictured] who passed away in 2018 from a stroke.

"In 2019 I hosted my first, what I hoped to be annual, charity music event to raise money for Stroke Association UK which went incredibly well, but then had to cancel my 2020 event due to the pandemic.

"Wendy Smith, the landlady of The Swan With Two Necks, has very kindly let me use Swanload as my event this year, and I couldn't be prouder to be able to raise more money for the incredible charity.

"The two days are packed with a variety of local acts, all who are donating their time and talent. Each day kicks off at 3.30pm and continues right through to midnight if not later.

"We have Swanload merchandise for sale over both days, including wrist bands, lighters and badges with all proceeds going to the charity.

"Plus a raffle taking place with 3 brilliant prizes.

"These are: a comedy pass for 4 that can be used in several locations around the country, a tattoo voucher for Acadia worth £60, and a meal for 4 including a bottle of house wine at The De Trafford Arms in Alderley Edge!"

The two headlining bands are all local musicians and have supported the pub in the past.

Saturday has have four piece alternative rock band Yopo headlining.

Originally styling themselves as grunge-blues grooves, Yopo have retained these elements whilst incorporating further the diverse influences of hip-hop, funk and metal into a unique, signature sound which is as remarkable as it is unmistakable. 

You can listen to their music here.

And Sunday's headliner is Low Orbit, Five noise making Maxonians who met in Macc through a mutual love of the Foo Fighters, and spawned some tasty rock riffs, which quickly mutated into the monstrous sound you hear today. 

We spoke to Low Orbit last month.

You can listen to the Macclesfield band here.

The line-up also includes Macclesfield rocker Ben Gorb, who is a keen supporter of Macclesfield Nub News.

He's produced articles with us on more than one occasion. Watch his latest music video here.

The full line-up for Swanload 2021 can be viewed below:

Saturday August 28

22:00 - The Coverups

20:00 - Karma's Puppet

17:45 - Eleven Eleven

16:15 - Daniel Toft

23:00 - HEADLINING: Low Orbit

21:00 - Warlock A.D.

19:15 - Half Life

17:30 - Gritstone Clays

15:30 - Lisa Travers

You can RSVP to the event here.

We will report on the total sum raised next week.

Macclesfield Nub News thanks Swanload for nubbing their event on our site.

You too can nub your event on our website - and be in with the chance to have an Event of the Week article for our thousands of readers.

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