This coming weekend, sees the last of live music at The Solent Inn under the management of Helen Fastnedge.
Punch, the brewers who own the pub told OnTheWight, “We can confirm that the current licensee at The Solent Inn has provided their notice within the agreed notice period. Plans are in place for a new licensee to operate the Solent Inn and for this process to be a smooth transition without the need to close the pub.”
Regulars at the pub, punk band XD, are trying to get as many people as possible to head to the pub on Friday night for their final gig.
Dedicating Friday night to Helen
Ian from XD says, “Helen gave us, and many bands, our first breaks on the Isle of Wight pub circuit – she took risks and was always willing to try something new. When we first started we expected to get around one gig per month if we were lucky – who knew. It’s only through the enthusiasm and dedication of publicans like Helen that we are even around gigging now.”
In an appeal to all music lovers and bands who have played at the pub over the years, he said “Friday night we are dedicating to Helen – this will be the last live music weekend at the Solent under Helen’s management – the brewery may put a manager in or might even close the pub entirely.
Either way it’ll be a massive upheaval to the Isle of Wight gig circuit.”
Other events
If you’re not able to make the Friday gig, L&M will be playing on Sunday afternoon and the regular pool night on Thursday next week will be Helen’s last as publican.
Head to The Solent Inn, 7 Monkton St, Ryde PO33 1JW
Thanks to Adrian from Church Street Motors for the heads-up.
16.30: Article was updated to include quote from Punch
Image: © Used with permission of Another Pint Please
