By IW Observer.co.uk
An Island brass band extravaganza has raised more than £1,000 for the people of war-torn Ukraine.
Three bands, Abbey Brass, Cowes Concert Band and Vectis Brass, joined forces for Brass for Ukraine at Christ the King College, Newport.
Event organiser, Andy Norman, musical director of Cowes Concert Band, said he was overwhelmed by the support of the capacity audience. He said: “Brass for Ukraine was a wonderful experience. Thank you to everyone who came to support the concert. We have to thank Kathrin Williams, business manager at Christ the King College, for allowing us to use the facilities free of charge and site manager, Chris Teague, together with the rest of the Teague family, for working so hard to put everything together.”
A retiring collection and a raffle raised over £1,150 for IW MAD-Aid, the East Cowes-based charity sending aid to hospitals in Ukraine and Moldova to help refugees.
Each band performed a 30-minute programme before combining to perform the Ukrainian national anthem as a finale, conducted by special guest, Victoria Dunford, founder of MAD-Aid.
The audience also saw a display by the corps of drums of Medina Marching Band and a debut performance by the Vectis Brass training band which featured learners as young as seven.
Andy added: “We thank Victoria Dunford and MAD-Aid for all they are doing to help Ukrainian refugees and are pleased to have contributed in a small way.”
Press Release