THE popular Open Mic session is returning to the Red Lion Inn in Shobrooke after a long lay-off.

Started by local musician Pete Mason some years ago, the monthly sessions were suspended when the first lockdown and Covid restrictions took hold in March 2020.

The Red Lion was also closed for much of that time, but has now reopened, also incorporating the village shop.

Sadly Pete died after a long struggle with cancer last November, and the village also lost another Open Mic regular, Jack Fey, during the first lockdown.

A group of Pete’s friends, regulars at the Open Mic sessions while he ran them, have revived the monthly get-togethers, and the sessions will once again be on the second Wednesday of each month.

With the support of landlady Natalie the team will take turns to host the evenings, and the sessions are initially booked in until December. New performers are always welcome, although you do not need to perform to come and enjoy the music, poetry or comedy.

Now named after their founder, the first new Pete Mason Open Mic Session will be on Wednesday, October 13, hosted by Dave and Caroline Gooding.

After Pete’s death a fund was started in his name to help musicians at a key stage in their musical development, and a collection will be taken for the fund at the Open Mic sessions.