A WHITCHURCH community group has moved one step closer to securing the future of a pub with the success of a fundraising festival last weekend.

The Red House Pub Community Group has been fighting to save the pub since it closed, initially on a temporary basis, last year and organised the Red-Fest music festival to raise funds to aid the cause.

The show took place on Saturday at Whitchurch Parish Hall with 100 people turning out for the eight-hour spectacular.

“Everyone had a good time,” said Mark Bishop, Red House Pub Community Group chair.

“It was well-received and the bands were great.”

The Red-Fest bill featured a mix of performers, from acoustic acts to a choir as well as rock groups.

The event was also a major hit in terms of the funds it raised.

Mark added: “We raised overall in the region of £3,000.

“That initially was to pay for the structural survey which we have now had done.

“The business plan has been built, it’s just a case of what model we use, and we will then approach the community again.

“It’s all going in the right direction,” Mark added.