Strathfest organisers to hold charity concert in aid of Ukraine
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A Badenoch and Strathspey music festival group is pulling together a charity concert to raise funds for the Ukraine appeal.
Organisers Mary-Ann Connolly and Suzi Wilson have called upon musicians to give up their time to perform at the event which will be hosted at Inverallan Parish Church in Grantown this Sunday (March 13).
To be held under the auspices of Strathfest music festival, the concert will feature a line-up of top traditional musicians who have all offered their services free of charge, ensuring that the event can be held at 'zero cost'.
All money raised will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine humanitarian appeal.
Funds will be doubled by the UK Government who last week agreed to match all donations to the DEC appeal pound for pound.
Strathfest spokeswoman Suzi Wilson said: "I imagine that locals feel as we do, that to watch the news night after night and witness the horror of what is happening in Ukraine, brings feelings of anger, despair and sadness.
"We decided to do something about it to help raise money for the citizens of Ukraine.
"We are going to put on a concert and donate 100 per cent of the ticket price to the Disasters Emergency Committee who distribute the funds to 15 leading UK charities – including Save the Children and Oxfam – to help provide food, water, shelter and medical assistance.
"Musicians and artists all over the world have struggled to perform and make a living during Covid. Despite this, they are freely coming together to do what performers always do.
"We want to lift the hearts, provide entertainment, raise money, and support the refugees pouring out of Ukraine escaping the war."
A wealth of Scottish talent have already agreed to perform at the event, offering their services free of charge. Already announced are:
- Paul Anderson
- Hamish Napier
- Charlie Mckerron & Monadh Ruadh
- Shona Donaldson
- Braeriach Quartet
- Marie-Louise Napier
- Bella Voce Choir
- Eric Pirie
- Dan Cottam
- Stephanie Wade
- Children of StrathFest
Tickets will be available at the door, priced at £15 and will be sold on a cash only basis. The doors open at 6pm with the show set to begin at 7pm.
For more information on the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), visit www.dec.org.uk.
