Legacy of historic South Shields pub the Rose and Crown - and its longstanding landlord - lives on as Rosiefest confirms new venue

The legacy of a much-loved South Shields pub and its former landlord will live on as Rosiefest gets a new venue for 2020.
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The popular music festival has been held at the Holborn Rose and Crown – or The Rosie – on Hill Street since 2012, when the pub was still owned by its longstanding landlord Bob Overton.

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Now she has confirmed that this year’s event will be held at the Harton and Westoe Miners Welfare on Low Lane on Saturday, July 11.

Crowds outside the Rose and Crown at the final Rosiefest at the pub in July 2019. Photo credit: Lee HoganCrowds outside the Rose and Crown at the final Rosiefest at the pub in July 2019. Photo credit: Lee Hogan
Crowds outside the Rose and Crown at the final Rosiefest at the pub in July 2019. Photo credit: Lee Hogan

With extra outdoor space, she he is hoping the festival - which attracts hundreds each year - will be able to expand.

“Last year I had loads of offers from pubs, it was really flattering, but I needed a field - and my dad was a miner so there’s a nice connection,” said Natalie.

“It will be a similar set up with a few changes, but it’s still going to be Rosiefest because that’s the name that it grew with.”

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She is keen to keep the legacy of the pub alive, as well as the memory of Bob, who passed away in 2018.

(Left-right) Organiser Natalie Lascelles with family members Sam Carr, Victoria Carr, Pat Lascelles and Abbie Carr (front) at last year's event. Photo credit: Lee Hogan.(Left-right) Organiser Natalie Lascelles with family members Sam Carr, Victoria Carr, Pat Lascelles and Abbie Carr (front) at last year's event. Photo credit: Lee Hogan.
(Left-right) Organiser Natalie Lascelles with family members Sam Carr, Victoria Carr, Pat Lascelles and Abbie Carr (front) at last year's event. Photo credit: Lee Hogan.

“There’s going to be a picture of Bob there, because we want to keep his memory living on,” she said.

“He let Rosiefest take over the pub, I owe him for that.”

Natalie organised the first event when she was struggling with her mental health and wanted to create awareness, while raising money for Cancer Connections.

Now a counsellor, she said: “I wanted to do something to push myself out of my comfort zone and it’s just continued to grow.

Crowds at last year's Rosiefest. Photo credit: Lee Hogan.Crowds at last year's Rosiefest. Photo credit: Lee Hogan.
Crowds at last year's Rosiefest. Photo credit: Lee Hogan.
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“I expected it to start off small with it being a new venue but it seems a lot of the old regulars are going to come down.”

Music including Rivelino and Rosiefest stalwarts The Dancers are already confirmed with more to be announced.

Natalie added: “It is about raising money and awareness of mental health but it’s also for people to come and enjoy themselves - they say it’s the best day of the year.”

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