A CELEBRATION of music is planned for later this month to raise funds in memory of a popular Worcester man.

StuFest is being held at Worcester’s The Marrs Bar on Saturday, September 21 from 7pm in memory of guitarist Stuart Silcock who died aged 45 in October last year.

Organisers are raising money for a fund set up in his name — The Stuart Silcock Young Musicians Award — in partnership with Severn Arts.

This will provide music tuition to children who may not otherwise get the opportunity to progress their talent.

Qualifying students selected for the award will receive fully-funded training for at least a year, depending on the amount raised.

Every penny raised from StuFest ticket money at the Pierpoint Street venue will go towards this cause.

Seven bands will play on the night, including Chevy Chase Stole My Wife who Stuart was a member of with friend Emma Howett.

It is likely be their last performance, according to Emma.

Ruben Seabright, Pete Adams, The Severn Collective, Marc Hammond, Echo Gecco and the Marrs Bar house band, where Hull-born Stuart started his musical journey in the city, are all set to feature.

There will be a presentation by Stuart’s family and also representatives from Severn Arts.

Stuart was a mainstay of the Worcester music scene throughout the last 20 years, playing lead guitar in the Marrs Bar house band Black Cat Bone, Will Dance for Chocolate, The Disciples, Chevy Chase Stole my Wife and more.

Severn Arts said he gained friends and impressed musicians wherever he played with his expressive playing and reserved, dry humour.

The arts organisation added the Gibson Les Paul Sunburst and white Fender Strat were Stuart’s hallmark guitars with which he effortlessly conjured restrained, bluesy riffs that sounded distinctively unique.

With his music heavily influenced by blues and classic rock, his friends and family remembered Stuart as “loving and honest” after his death last year.

Organised by friends and loved ones, StuFest will bring together Worcester talents and some of Stuart’s favourite songs will be played.

Tickets cost £10 in advance and there are more details at www.severnarts.org.uk/fundraisers/the-stuart-silcock-young-musicians-award, marrsbar.co.uk or via events on Facebook.