4/2/2010 - Concert for Cumbria hailed a success : Cumbria County Council

A special benefit concert held last night in Keswick's Theatre by the Lake has raised around £12,000 for the victims of the Cumbria floods and the rescue organisations who helped out in the emergency.

The Concert for Cumbria, which was sold out, included a moving tribute from actor Brian Blessed to PC Bill Barker, who died when Northside bridge in Workington collapsed. Singer Lesley Garrett also starred alongside the Cumbria Youth Orchestra and leading pianist Andrew West.

The concert, which was organised by Cumbria County Council, has helped build on the already considerable fund raising efforts in the aftermath of the November floods. The £12,000 raised through ticket and programme sales and charitable donations is being shared 50/50 between the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund and the rescue organisations who helped keep people safe when the floods hit. These include RNLI, Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association, Bay Search and Rescue, Red Cross, North West Air Ambulance, International Rescue, RSPCA, The Police Dependants Trust, The Fire Fighters Charity and St John's Ambulance.

Cllr Roger Bingham, Chairman of Cumbria County Council, said:

"The Concert for Cumbria was world class and a night to remember. There were poignant moments mixed in with laughter and the celebration of artistic talent. The fact that so many young talented musicians from the county were performing is also a great reminder that we have a lot to be proud of here in Cumbria.

"Many, many people have given their time and effort to make this concert happen and help these deserving causes. They all deserve recognition and thanks - from the stars of the show, to Theatre by the Lake, to the businesses and other organisations who have helped out.

"The flood recovery effort continues around the county - not just in Cockermouth and Workington but in places like Keswick, Ulverston and outlying rural areas. It was fitting to celebrate what we have achieved so far as well as recognise the suffering the floods have caused."