MUSICIANS from the Frome community have helped raise nearly £1,500 to support Ukrainian refugees in Frome’s Polish twin town.
A total of £1,480 was raised through ticket sales and a raffle at the Big Gig For Ukraine, held at 23 Bath Street on Saturday 19th March. However, the overall amount raised by the event is expected to be higher, as revellers were also encouraged to donate online to Frome Town Council’s twin-town refugee appeal.
The event was organised by singer Emma Harris, who assembled over 20 musicians to take part in an evening of Folk, Blues, Funk and Soul. Artists and bands contributing to the event, including Emma’s own Soul Band, were Flash Harry, Leander Morales, Al O’Kane, Pete Gage and Rivers Of England.
“It went really well, it went better than I expected,” said Emma speaking to Frome Times, “we had a really good turnout, it was a full house!
“I felt so grateful that it ran smoothly and that we had raised some money for the appeal – a lot of people have been feeling helpless watching the war in Ukraine, so it felt good to feel like you were doing something, rather than nothing. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a tiny amount of money that we have raised and it’s a small thing that we have done – but it was a way for the community to come together to show their support. And that’s what they did – we have such a good community in Frome; we will always turn up and support causes like this – it was heart-warming to see.”
Highlights of the evening included renditions of ‘Ain’t Gonna Study War No More’, performed by Leander Morales, and ‘Give Peace a Chance’, performed by Al O’Kane and his band.
“Those moments really brought the crowd together,” said Emma.
Money raised from the gig will be added to Frome Town Council’s twin-town refugee appeal, which has so far raised over £38,000 to support Frome’s twin town Rabka-Zdrój with their efforts to help Ukrainian refugees.
The money is being used to commission buses to get refugees out of Ukraine, get them to a place of safety, and to feed, clothe and house people as they arrive.
Emma added, “A big thank you to the musicians for their time and a huge thank you to the venue, 23 Bath Street and their team, they were fantastic. Toby and his team set up the ticketing system and worked the evening – and they did everything with a smile.”
To find out more about Frome Town Council’s twin town appeal, visit the website: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk
