Derbyshire Event to Honor Individuals Named Steve and Steph

The widespread prevalence of the names Steve or Steph has inspired a collective of individuals named Steve, who were gathered at a Derbyshire bar, to conceive an event described as a “celebration of all things Steve”. Named “Steve Fest,” the event is scheduled for St Stephen’s Day, also known as Boxing Day. Attendees who are not named Steve are welcome, provided they purchase a drink for someone named Steve, Stephen, Steven, Stephanie, or Steph. Steve Lilley, an organizer from Belper, characterized the initiative as a “bit of fun,” while also expressing a desire to investigate the reasons behind the widespread occurrence of the name Steve. Mr. Lilley recounted to the BBC that the concept originated during an occasion when 10 individuals were present at a bar. He stated, “Somebody said ‘Steve’ and everybody turned around apart from one.” He continued, “It dawned on us that everybody’s name was Steve, apart from one person whose name was Jack. Then we found out Jack was actually born a Steve and called himself Jack because he was fed up of getting mixed up with everyone else. We jokily said we ought to have a festival all about Steves because there are that many in Belper. We started reeling off other Steves we knew, and I jokily said we could have it on St Stephen’s Day.” The 57-year-old indicated that the gathering, planned to take place at Tyler’s in Belper, would include a beer specifically crafted for individuals named Steve, and each person named Steve would receive an item bearing their name. He further mentioned that a themed music selection would feature tracks by Shakin’ Stevens and Stevie Nicks, alongside activities designed to pay tribute to other notable individuals named Steve, such as Steve Jobs, Steven Spielberg, Steve Irwin, and Stephen Hawking. He remarked, “The name Steve has been associated with some truly remarkable Steves.” “If anybody knows how we can get in touch with Shakin’ Stevens – we would love him to pop up, and we might even get him singing.” Mr. Lilley, who serves as the managing director of Derbyshire Tea, commented on the unusual phenomenon of “a gluttony” of individuals named Steve belonging to a similar age group, specifically those born in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He humorously added, “We could do with finding out why.” “If you are Steve, you can invite anybody but remember they will have to look after Steves while they are there.” Readers can follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available for review.