Young people from Greenwood Studios are putting on three concerts to raise money for a big fireworks display in Cannock. Cathy Spencer reports

Hidden on a business park in Cannock is Greenwood Studios where youngsters can make their own music and videos while mixing with the stars.

Now they are putting on three fundraising gigs – to raise money for a fireworks display in Cannock. This year there is not enough money in the council pot to put on the usual fireworks show during the switch-on of the Christmas lights on November 20.

Greenwood Studios, who are providing the music for the night, have decided to help raise cash to give Cannock residents their fireworks.

Live bands The Shine, Never Goodbye, Steve Nunn and Behind Closed Doors will be performing in the Rocket event at the Royal British Legion in Cannock on November 5, Silks Nightclub on November 6 and the Ascot Tavern Pub on November 7.

Rocket needs to raise £1,500 to ensure the firework display takes place.

“This year the lights switch-on has a Victorian Theme and the music we are providing is going to be spectacular,” says studio owner Pete Keenan, aged 49.

“We have taken part in the event for the last two years and it has been a huge success as well as a lot of fun.

“However, when we heard there weren’t going to be fireworks we knew there would be a lot of disappointed people so we thought in for a penny in for a pound.”

Greenwood Studios was started in 2004 by Pete Keenan and Kenyon Walker who wanted to create a base for their band.

They were based in Hednesford before moving to their present site at Birch Business Park in Cannock where they were joined by Anne Marie Keenan, who is no relation to Pete.

“We decided to expand the business to working with young people and the community as well as helping local bands,” says Pete, aged 49.

“We regularly have school groups and clubs come into the studio and we also work with known artists such as Signature from Britain’s Got Talent.”

Greenwood Studios is a haven for budding musicians as it has a new recording studio, practice rooms and equipment to make music videos.

However, they also run cartoon animation courses, radio and photographic workshops as well as a Skool of Rock summer club. Steven Lunn, 24, from Walsall is taking part in the Rocket event where he will be playing a mixture of R ’n’ B, soul and reggae music.

“We are all excited about performing in the three Rocket events,” says Steven.

“Greenwood is a great place for anyone who is into music.

“We regularly have school kids coming to Greenwood and they love making music and performing.” Emily Bayliss, 19, from Hednesford is also taking part in the Rocket event.

She says: “I only started coming to Greenwood Studio a couple of weeks ago because I was interested in singing. So much happens there. You can try out lots of things.”

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