Indie-rock star Sam Fender has been spotted enjoying some down time in the Lake District.
The Mercury prize winning musician is believed to be visiting the area with friends and has been posing for pictures with fans and in local businesses in the Ullswater area.
Sam, from North Shields, known for hits including Seventeen Going Under, has been nominated for four Brit awards this year, in categories including artist of the year, album of the year, song of the year and best alternative/rock act.
Verey Books, in Pooley Bridge, were visited by the 31-year-old musician on Friday.
Owner Al Verey said: “We were thrilled that he came in and hope that he enjoyed it, but the girls that were in didn’t recognise him at first.
“It was really after he left that the staff were all slightly embarrassed realising who he was. You don’t expect Sam Fender to walk in to your shop, unfortunately he wasn’t wearing a name tag!”
Al said he purchased a copy of English Pastoral by James Rebanks and spent some time in the store and took some pictures with customers.
He added: “He sat down and read for a bit with a book and had some coffee. All the staff said he was lovely, very friendly and chatty.
“It was a sprinkle of stardust for the shop.”
Catstycam Outdoor Clothing & Equipment, in Glenridding, were also visited by the star last Wednesday.
While there, he bought himself a new pair of walking boots, with some guidance from owner Andrew Laverick.
Andrew Laverick said: “He was in the village with some mates and he came in for some walking boots, so we sorted him out.
“I had my dogs with me and they took to him and him to them! He was a cracking fella to meet, really nice to talk to and really down to Earth.
“His mates were spot on as well, they were just good lads and a nice bunch. He seems to be one of those people everybody loves.
“You wouldn’t have known he was famous, there were no airs and graces, he was just a lovely fella.”
Sam has been spotted in the Lake District before and in 2024 he took pictures with a fan at Tebay services.
Have you been lucky enough to bump into Sam recently? We’d love to see your pictures and hear your stories! Let us know at [email protected]
