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Festival celebrating all things Steve branded success

Steve Lilley Organiser Steve Lilley (left), pictured with pal Steve MarriottSteve Lilley
Organiser Steve Lilley (left), pictured with pal Steve Marriott, said a "gluttony of Steves" were born at a similar time

A festival to celebrate all things Steve which was born out of a "silly chat" in a pub has "exceeded expectations".

Steve Fest was held in Belper on Thursday, St Stephen's Day, and organised by resident Steve Lilley.

The idea came about after someone shouted "Steve" at a bar and all but one of 10 people turned around.

Mr Lilley said some 94 Steves and Stephs had attended the event at Tyler's bar alongside other friends, with many having travelled "a long way".

"It was just a funny thing to say that turned out to be something really fun," the 57-year-old said.

"We didn't even know if any local Steves were going to come to be honest," he added.

"It really exceeded our expectations."

Steve Lilley A group of men and women in a bar posing for a picture. Steve Lilley
Mr Lilley said the event would be held again next year after this year's success

While anyone and everyone was welcome at Steve Fest, the rule was that any non-Steves would have to buy a Steve, Stephen, Steven, Stephanie or Steph a drink.

Mr Lilley said there had been a themed playlist, Steve merchandise and a themed dinner - "Steve Curry".

A number games and activities had also been planned but Mr Lilley said they had not got around to doing them as people were already having such a good time.

Mr Lilley, managing director of Derbyshire Tea, added: "We met people of all ages and from all walks of life.

"It was a really good, enjoyable night."

'It just works'

The youngest Steve to attend the festival had been 16 years old and the oldest had been 70, Mr Lilley said.

He added some eager Steves had queued outside the venue ahead of the event.

After the success of the first Steve Fest, Mr Lilley said the event would return next year.

"We'll even have a Steve band next year," he added. "We're just going to go for it because it just works."

Mr Lilley said he had invited every Steve he could think of and had received a response from Stephen Fry to say he could not make the event.

He added: "St Stephen's Day comes around every 365 days, so this will happen every year. Hopefully grow it and let's celebrate Steves or Stephs."

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