A MUSIC promoter’s family and friends have launched a crowdfunding bid “to save live music” in Cinderford, after he was evicted from the town centre pub he leased.

Cinderford Music Festival organiser James Stevens was ordered to quit the Fern Ticket pub with business partner Trevor Cooper last month when police arrived with the licensee early one morning.

They say they have been given no explanation for the move by pub owner Marion Jayne, and are now pursuing legal action after spending thousands of pounds on rent since leasing the venue in January.

The Forest Council and Gloucestershire Police have denied being behind the eviction on Friday, June 22, with the police saying they were only there to prevent a potential breach of the peace.

A crowdfunding bid for £2,500 has now been launched to obtain a venue to promote live music, with his nephew Dan Evans saying: “My Uncle James has been at the forefront of multiple local projects, including the Miners’ Hall, Cinderford Music Festival and more recently, turning the Fern Ticket into a buzzing live music venue, with acts travelling from all over the UK to play there.

“James and his business partner signed a five-year lease to manage the Fern Ticket, investing a huge amount of money in the first few months, then out of the blue, they were shut down without any warning or explanation as to why.

“Their livelihoods were taken from them overnight… and solicitors understandably won’t work for free.”

Mr Evans, who says he launched the appeal independently of Mr Stevens, said there was a great passion for live music in the town.

‘’I am gutted at what has happened with the Fern – I’ve visited a number of times and have always had a great night. My Uncle James has always poured his heart and soul into live music projects in Cinderford, and I just hope that now he needs their help, the community will be there for him.”

Fern Ticket owner Marion Jayne, who has just remarried and now runs the Chainbridge pub near Usk, has claimed she had concerns over “incidents” at the premises, and took action to safeguard her licence.

But a spokeswoman for the Forest Council, who are the licensing authority, said: “We would like to make it clear that the district council is not responsible for the closure of the Fern Ticket in Cinderford.

“The licensee has chosen to temporarily close the establishment for personal reasons.”

Mr Stevens posted after being kicked out: “I have lost everything, but trust me I will be fighting this. You haven’t seen the last of me. Thank you to all my customers over the last six months.”