An award-winning pub in Northumberland is hosting its first ever charity music festival on Sunday 27 August to recognise the anniversary of one of its charity partners.
The Keel Row in Seaton Delaval, which has just recently been awarded the prestigious Britvic ‘Lifting Spirits Award’ for its outstanding contribution to the local community, is hosting the outdoor festival which will feature live music from a number of local bands, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Blyth Star Enterprises’ inauguration as a registered charity.
Founded by a group of parents and carers in 1987, Blyth Star Enterprises is a not-for-profit organisation which provides living support, work experience and day services to over 350 people living with learning disabilities and lifelong mental health issues across the North East.
Founded on the basic principles that everyone should have somewhere to live, somewhere to work and someone to care, Blyth Star Enterprises achieves this with support from a team of 60 full and part-time staff and 10 volunteers who are dedicated to helping the charity’s service users on their journey of recovery to independent living.
Landlady at The Keel Row, Sharon Herron was first introduced to Blyth Star Enterprises’ chief executive officer, Gordon Moore and chairman, Tim Chrisp, a number of years ago when they visited the pub.
Since then, The Keel Row has supported Blyth Star Enterprises with regular fundraising activities and has helped to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
“Having experienced the effects of mental ill health first hand, I understand more than most why having organisations like Blyth Star Enterprises is so important,” said Sharon Herron.
“For many people living with mental health problems or learning disabilities, having somebody there who cares about and understands what you’re going through can make a world of difference.
“The work that Gordon, Tim and their incredible team do is truly amazing and we’re delighted to be celebrating their 30th anniversary with them.”
Chief executive officer at Blyth Star Enterprises, Gordon Moore, said:
“Sharon has been a great advocate of Blyth Star Enterprises for many years and we are incredibly grateful to her for all of her hard work organising the music festival and for all of the fundraising she has done besides.
“Surviving 30 years in the not-for-profit sector is an incredible achievement for Blyth Star Enterprises and is something that we are incredibly proud of, so we can’t wait to celebrate our success with clients, staff, family and friends on the day.”
In addition to live music, the festival, which will run from 5pm until closing time will also feature a charity raffle to which all profits will go back to Blyth Star Enterprises, a buffet, an outdoor cocktail bar and an ice cream van for the children.
More details about the event can be found on The Keel Row’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/keelrow.seatondelaval. For more information about Blyth Star Enterprises, visitwww.blythstar.org.uk.