Portsmouth pub's Drakefest once again goes down a storm with community

Hundreds of families poured through the doors of The Admiral Drake pub, in Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth, as it laid on the ever-popular Drakefest.

The sounds of guitars, drums and roaring vocals could be heard all weekend as bands performed on stages inside and outside the venue.

It was part of an effort to raise thousands of pounds for four local charities to help them continue their work for the community.

This year’s Drakefest was supporting Sam’s Haven, Hannah’s Holiday Home, Stillbirth And Neo-natal Death charity and Parkinson’s UK Portsmouth Working Age Support Group.

Simon Hughes, landlord of The Admiral Drake, believes the weekend helped to pull in at least £6,000 for the good causes.

He said: ‘We have had a great turnout and everyone has enjoyed themselves.

‘We have been very lucky with the weather, compared to a lot of other places.

‘The atmosphere has been fantastic and everyone has had a great time. The live music has gone down really well. We are really grateful to everyone who has come along and helped to raise money; especially those who did get wet in the showers but stayed on to see the next lot of bands.’

Drakefest is in its eighth year and has raised more than £100,000 for charities in the area to date.

It began after popular Admiral Drake regular Mandy Sharpe-Williams was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

She died in December 2009.