Mayor encourages South Shields music fans to 'dig deep' for charity at Bents Park gigs
The Mayor of South Tyneside has asked music fans to come together and support local charities who “really need” support.
The Mayor of South Tyneside used his time speaking to the crowds at Bents Park for the second of the site’s Council-run concerts to stress the importance of supporting local charity groups.
Councillor Stan Wildhirt was appointed to the position in May and spoke to gathered crowds ahead of sets from Nuromantica, Chesney Hawkes and ABC in South Shields.
The series of shows is a hugely popular event in the region’s summer calendar and offers a chance for the public to support local charities through the Mayor’s Charity collection buckets.
South Tyneside Council has said it does not yet know the amount of money raised from the first two shows, which saw headline sets from Joe McElderry on Sunday, July 19 and ABC on Sunday, July 26.
Speaking to the crowd ahead of the most recent event, which also saw Chesney Hawkes and Nuromantica perform, Cllr Wildhirt, who was elected in the Whiteleas ward as a Reform UK party member, said: “South Tyneside people are well known for their community spirit and generosity.
“I’ve seen for myself the work and dedication of the people who run these charities, often with personal sacrifice. They really need your help so please dig deep and give as much as you can afford for our local charities.”
The full list of charities set to receive the money is the Chloe and Liam Forever Trust, Veterans For Veterans In Care, animal safety group Pawz For Thought, The Toby Henderson Trust who support people with autism and Escape Intervention Services who assist young people across the borough.
The charities were personally chosen by the Mayor and his wife, Mayoress Dawn Wildhirt. Throughout their year in office the pair look to support each charity’s fundraising efforts.
Dance sets from Ultrabeat and Judge Jools will bring the three week series of events to a close on Sunday, August 2 where more money can be donated to the charities. Tickets remain available for the show.
Before the concerts got underway South Tyneside Council confirmed over 13,000 tickets had been sold across the days.