Mayor of Romsey's concert raises almost £5,000 for local charities

The sold-out event was held at Romsey Abbey on Saturday, March 2 and had more than 150 performers. 

The concert featured: Michelmersh Silver Band, Romsey Male Voice Choir, Romsey Ukulele Group, Romsey Youth Chamber Choir and the RAODS cast of Oliver.

It started with compere Mark Ponsford bellowing 'the mayor’s concert is go' with the silver band playing the Thunderbirds march. 

John Ray, mayor of Romsey, said: “I loved the surprise start to the concert which set the tone for the whole evening of fun, happiness, smiles and fantastic audience participation - what an incredible musical talent we have here in Romsey. 

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“I am so grateful to all those who made the evening the success it was helping the mayor's office to raise almost £5,000. To see the audience and all the performers, nearly 500 people take to their feet for the finale, singing and dancing along to Land of Hope and Glory was a fantastic end to the evening.”

Marion Maxey said: “It was wonderful that two of my choirs were invited to perform at this year’s amazing mayor’s charity concert. The Romsey Male Voice Choir loved performing with the fabulous Michelmersh Silver Band and Romsey Youth Chamber Choir really enjoyed both performing and watching the other acts - they loved singing along with Romsey Ukulele Band and really enjoyed the cast from Oliver and now all want to go to see it.”

Geoffrey Halls, from Romsey Ukulele Group, said: "Wow what a great evening and a privilege for the Romsey Ukulele Group to play for the Mayor and such a great audience. We were also so delighted that our dear Ukrainian friend Viktoriia Milevska could play drums with us."

Liz Wagner, from Romsey Abbey, said: “The audience really loved the wide variety of music in the concert – a really good evening of entertainment.” 

Claire Topp, from Michelmersh Silver Band, said: “Michelmersh Silver Band was delighted and honoured to participate in what was a great showcase for the wealth of musical talent we have here on Romsey. We particularly enjoyed the opportunity to join forces with Romsey Male Voice Choir for a wonderful finale segment including A Saints Fantasy especially for the Mayor who is a life-long Southampton fan!”

The four charities being supported this year by the Mayor of Romsey are: The Jenna Marie Foundation, George’s Trust, Jane Scarth House and Romsey Good Neighbours. Donations to the mayoral fund to support these local charities can be made at the mayor’s office in Romsey Town Hall.