MUSICIANS teamed up to stage an online charity concert and raised more than £500 for Middlewich and District Foodbank.

Rock the Lockdown on June 20 headlined by female-fronted rock band Photo Booth Smile and was free to watch on Facebook but viewers were encouraged to donate to make a donation.

Northwich Guardian:

Rock band Photo Booth Smile headlined the charity concert

Co-organiser Tess Keefe said, “We couldn’t believe the positive response we had from the public. Our Facebook page got 2,000 visits over the course of the two-hour performance, which is amazing considering all the acts are local.

Northwich Guardian:

Pete Dale from Milky Wimpshake

" Musicians have been unable to play in public and probably won’t for a while, so it was also great to give them a chance to play in front of an audience.”

Northwich Guardian:

Gareth Williams from Jasmine Allen Estate

Other musicians who performed for free included Kieran Davies, Ant Machin from Moondogz, Pete Dale from Milky Wimpshake, and Gareth Williams from Jasmine Allen Estate.

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Northwich Guardian:

Kieran Davies

Foodbank director Rachel Pendleton said: “I just want to thank all the bands who took part, everyone who helped organise and all those who donated. It is a really busy time for us and the extra money will really go a long way in allowing us to feed all those extra people who are struggling at the moment.”

Northwich Guardian:

Ant Machin from Moondogz

The event was organised by Middlewich Labour Group, inspired by the Rock the Vote concerts they have staged in the past.

Co-organiser Cllr Jonathan Parry said: “The amount raised is fantastic, thanks to everyone who watched and donated. It’s great that the lockdown has not stopped us being able to do good work. Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, the foodbank has been there for Middlewich, and on the night, Middlewich was there for the foodbank.”