S Poddar
2023 was a banner year for the Cheese and Grain, a cherished independent venue, with record ticket sales and a surge in events. Over 200,000 people visit annually, drawing crowds from all over the UK and beyond.
As the Glastonbury Festival draws near, excitement is building with headliners like Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and SZA. Rumors are swirling about a secret performance. Recently, photos showing music production trucks outside the Cheese and Grain in Frome have fueled speculation. This venue, known for hosting a warm-up gig for Sir Paul McCartney in 2022, has fenced off part of its car park for a private event on June 27 and 28.
Coldplay is set to perform on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday, June 29, but will first rehearse at the Cheese and Grain. Despite the buzz, SomersetLive confirms there will be no secret gig; the band will focus on preparing for their Glastonbury headline slot.
The Cheese and Grain, a community-owned venue, is well-loved for its modern facilities and dedicated staff. Coldplay’s decision to rehearse here underscores their support for independent, non-profit music venues.
The venue addressed the rumors, stating, “We can unequivocally state that there will be no events at the Cheese and Grain until Sunday’s screening of England’s Round of 16 game in the UEFA EURO 2024. To those attending Glastonbury, we hope you have an incredible time and stay hydrated!”
While local fans may be disappointed about the lack of a secret set, they can look forward to Coldplay’s historic fifth performance at Glastonbury, coinciding with the upcoming release of their tenth studio album, Moon Music, in 2025. This milestone celebrates the band’s 25th anniversary, and fans can watch the performance live and on-demand via BBC iPlayer.
Tonight, the Cheese and Grain will host The Clash tribute act London Calling, performing the 1978 album Give ‘Em Enough Rope in full at the Tree House.
The Cheese and Grain has gained international recognition for attracting top musicians. Sir Paul McCartney performed a warm-up gig before his Glastonbury headline set in 2022, and the Foo Fighters played a surprise show in 2017 before their festival appearance.
Rooted in the local community, the venue employs 60 local residents, partners with local suppliers, and serves as a vital community hub. Despite challenges from the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, the Cheese and Grain achieved record attendance and ticket sales in 2023.
Recently, the venue announced £1.6 million plans to build a new facility with rehearsal spaces, editing suites, and accessible washrooms. This expansion aims to provide affordable resources for musicians, supporting both local talent and newcomers in the industry.
