MUSICIANS from North Yorkshire and County Durham have volunteered to take part in a special concert to help those affected by the Glasgow pub disaster.

Organisers of Bedale’s acoustic music festival BAMfest are holding the event, a Concert for Clutha to raise funds for the victims of the disaster in which 11 people were killed when a helicopter crashed onto the Clutha Vaults Pub in Glasgow.

It’s being held in the Riverside Club in Bedale on Saturday January 18.

Organiser John Knighton of BAMfest said: “I was amazed how quickly everyone responded when the idea was first floated. It is wonderful to see how musicians can rally together for the greater good.

“These people lost their lives while listening to music in a pub. We feel a close affinity with them as this something we do on a regular basis. So by putting on this benefit concert we are doing our bit to show we care.”

Performers include John Wrightson, Joan Edmudson Wendy and Paul Arrowsmith, Maggie Gee, Nick Brooker, Keystone Acoustic, Moira Clarke, Paul Baldwin and newly-formed band Rooster’s Cat.

The concert, which starts at 8pm, is free with donations on the door.

On Sunday January 19, between 2 and 5pm there is also an open mic session at The Green Dragon pub in Bedale to also raise fund for the Disaster Appeal. Performers who have already agreed to play include Leeds-based band Redgrass, Mic and Susie Darling, Rooster’s Cat and Rock and Rose.

The Clutha Appeal Fund was established by Glasgow City Council to support anyone involved in the disaster, including casualties and the families of those who lost their lives. 

Donations can be made to the Clutha Appeal Fund by calling 0141 287 7878