In its 3rd year of running this event is just getting better and greater!
The month of May was a very exciting month for the village of All Cannings in Wiltshire as preparations took place for the 3rd year running “Concert at the Kings” event.
Concert at the Kings idea originated in 2010 when John “Grubby” Callis - Sound Engineer for Sir Paul McCartney who frequents The Kings Arms pub in All Cannings discovered he had prostate cancer. He then discovered that his drinking partner Andy Scott – guitarist with 1970’s chart-toppers band The Sweet had the same condition.
Together they decided over “a pint” to plan a rock concert with the help of Richard Baulu, landlord of The Kings Arms pub....
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| (Left to right) Richard Baulu and John “Grubby” Callis outside The Kings Arms before the event. |
IN ITS 3RD SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF RUNNING THE SHOW WAS EVEN BETTER AND GREATER!
The concert this year was organised for 31 May 2014 come rain or come shine. The line-up once again was fantastic! It included: The Troggs, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Sir Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, Paul Young, Los Pacaminos, The Straits and MORE! Compere also for the 3rd year running was Dan Chisholm who had undergone surgery last year for throat and neck cancer.
AND THERE’S MORE!
A second stage was also set up this year featuring new local bands who had just been signed up. The line-up included: Jake Meeking, The Greasy Slicks and Funkin Skunks!
Tickets sold like hot cakes! It was going to be a “full house”.
SETTING UP, AND BEHIND THE SCENES...
(Below left to right) work in progress before the event. The stage is deceptively high up! Setting up the stage is a huge job and requires a team of people! The weather was not so good either!!
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| (Above left to right) Images of the stage being put together. Steps leading up to the stage and the “Stars” special marquee behind. |
THE WEATHER ON THE DAY WAS SUPER – WARM, SUNNY AND NO RAIN. IT WAS A FULL HOUSE! A SELL OUT!!
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| (Above) It was a full house! A sell out!! Over 4,000 tickets sold. Spot the ABD Banner! |
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| A fantastic show which everybody enjoyed. The last performance was Boomtown Rats followed by fireworks to finish. |
Due to this year’s amazing sell out and huge success proceeds of £35,000 went to Macmillan Cancer Support, Above and Beyond Oncology, Bristol and local needs in and around All Cannings.
Over the past 3 years £70,000 has been raised for charities.
This event is just getting BETTER and GREATER! With the support of volunteers, event staff, production suppliers and supporters who all worked so hard around the clock to make it happen.
THE WORD IS OUT - AS WELL AS ABD...
Yes, as well as Awdry Bailey & Douglas, even Sir Paul McCartney, Brian May and Sir Bob Geldof and Tom Robinson were leading a social media campaign to put the word out and raise awareness!
IS IT ON AGAIN NEXT YEAR?
Watch this space! It certainly is! Keep posted for when!
For more information about this fantastic event go to www.concertatthekings.co.uk
