Southport is getting ready to rock in an unforgettable fundraiser for Queenscourt Hospice – after the original event was postponed so people could pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Rock The Bandstand was originally due to take place on 10th September, but was swiftly postponed following the death of the much-loved monarch at the age of 96.
Organisers have now confirmed a brand new date of midday to 4.30pm on Sunday, 9th October 2022 at the Victorian Bandstand on Lord Street in Southport town centre, in front of The Vincent Hotel.
They are inviting people to come along and enjoy a superb day of live music, courtesy of three top quality local bands: Fag Ash Lil, and Offenders.
Attendance is free. Volunteers from Queenscourt will be present to give visitors the opportunity to donate to the hospice if they wish to do so.
Queenscourt operates a hospice in Southport and cares for around 2,000 local families in West Lancashire, Southport and Formby every year, both on-site and in people’s homes. It relies on the generosity of members of the public to keep providing its vital services.
Babs Arthur from Fag Ash Lil said: “We are looking forward to Fag Ash Lil joining other bands in presenting a charity gig for Queenscourt Hospice, well known in the area for its palliative care role.
“At the Bandstand, the event will feature Fag Ash Lil and the up and coming Offenders.
“Fag Ash Lil will finish what we know will be an eventful musical afternoon.
“Kick-off is 12 noon, finishing at 4.30pm or thereabouts!
“Come along and enjoy an afternoon of musical adventure and contribute to the essential work of Queenscourt Hospice.”
Fag Ash Lil band member, Steve Norris, explains why the Lord Street bandstand has been chosen for the event.
He said: “I think one of the reasons we wanted to put some music out there was that, sadly, the Rock The Lakes Festival had been cancelled as ticket sales weren’t happening… therefore we missed playing at their 10th anniversary gig.
“Fag Ash Lil has been the only band to have played every year it’s been on.
“The other sad thing is we are losing pubs and other venues that a full band can play in. We’ve had loads of musicians asking to be included in this event.
“Hopefully we have started something that could possibly run and run.”
Although not a band member, Southport artist Tony Wynne has been working with Fag Ash Lil to help pull the event together. Tony and the band are no strangers, however.
He said: “Everyone knows Fag Ash Lil and they have a massive and loyal following. I’ve worked with the band before; at the Waterfront, on Market Street and twice at the Bandstand.
“I agree with Steve’s comments about the reducing number of venues for full-on bands and, sadly, more could disappear due to the economic crisis.
“Lord Street is a superb open-air venue and is wholly suitable for putting on music gigs. As Steve has said, let’s hope it is the start of ‘something that could possibly run and run’.”
- Rock The Bandstand is a free event at The Bandstand, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1JR, 12pm–4.30pm Sunday 9th October 2022.
- Discover all the latest news about the event on the Rock The Bandstand page on Facebook.
- For more details on supporting the work of Queenscourt Hospice please visit: www.queenscourt.org.uk
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