STAPLE Hill cafe owners showed their musical talent at an event held to bring people out in the sunshine on Fountain Square.
Willz Hatcher, who runs cafe The Hatch, played drums while business partner Stuart Gullick supplied the vocals for a band put together to entertain the crowd at the Hatch on the Hill event in July.
Hundreds of people came to the afternoon event, which also featured a barbecue, outdoor seating for customers of businesses on the square and gazebos for anyone seeking refuge from the sun.
Willz opened the Hatch in May, on the site formerly occupied by florist Bunch.
He is hoping to stage more events in future and is encouraging other businesses to join in – particularly if they harbour musicians ready to help entertain the crowds.
Willz said: “Because it was the first event we’d held it was a trial.
“The weather was perfect – just what we were hoping for.
“Now we’re interested, for the next event, to see what other shops would like to do – we might find some other musicians and invite the horns from the Salvation Army band to play.
“We’re looking forward to Christmas on the Hill already.”
Willz grew up in South Bristol and believes Staple Hill can see the same sort of regeneration with independent shops that has taken place around Bedminster’s North Street happening in the area.
The event was supported by Staple Hill Chamber of Trade.
secretary Tina Lewis said: “We hope this will make other traders think about doing something as well to bring people to the High Street.”
Willz also plays in a band called Holy Youth Movement, whose new single, Fearless, is released on August 22. The band will play a gig at The Exchange in Bristol on October 12.