THOUSANDS have been raised to support young musicians and people with cancer as the money raised from the Musicathon is presented to charity.

The Musicathon is an event in Bridport which took place on June 11 and raised money for the Richard Ely Trust for Young Musicians and Weldmar Hospicecare.

In total £2,289 was raised which was split between the two charities in a cheque presentation ceremony on August 10 at 11am at the Bridport United Church by the Mayor of Bridport Cllr Ian Bark.

This was the 12th annual Musicathon, which was paused for two years since 2019 because of the pandemic but came back into musical swing this year.

On the day of the Musicathon there were vocal and instrumental performances in Bridport United Church and East Street.

Inside the church, 18 bands played in consecutive 15-minute slots and featured everything from solo acts to choirs and guitars to oboes. There was also a coffee morning from 10am to noon, with a cake stall, a raffle and a Weldmar craft stall.

The event got its start supporting young musicians after the council cut back on spending for county music centres, with all initial proceeds going towards the Richard Ely Trust, since then they have additionally added a charity helping people with cancer.

Joint organiser Vince O'Farell said: "My wife was one of the people who started this event, and we started it because at the time support for young musicians and their training was stopping, particularly budget cuts of music centres in schools.

"My wife Jo, who died four years ago, helped set up the Living Tree charity with Jo Millar in 2012 to support people with cancer. Which is why we are always sure to include a charity involved with cancer support in addition to Richard Ely.

"We are very happy to donate this money to these charities, particularly because of our connection to them."