A large crowd gathered for the all day concert in Swanage to remember Henry – a Swanage man who sadly died young of cancer – but it was a day to be joyful as everyone partied to the music and one person celebrated their 100th birthday.
Among those attending the Music by the Sea concert in Prince Albert Gardens were groups of family and friends marking 18th, 30th and 60th birthdays, as well as Jimmy MacDonald from Swanage who was just days away from his 100th birthday.
The concert that really is by the sea!
Community spirit (left to right), Cancare founder Vicki Fooks, Vicki Searle, Swanage town mayor Tina Foster, chair of Cancare Sue Corben and Cancare founder Gill Norman
Dancing, singing, food and drink
The popular concert on Saturday 31st August 2024 was organised by Swanage couple Vicki and Jonathan Searle whose son Henry died of a brain tumour in April 2021, after a seven-year battle against the illness.
From mid morning until dusk, 20 singers and groups performed for free, entertaining the crowd who danced, joined in the songs, ate, drank and generally enjoyed themselves.
Plenty of people brought picnics with them but there was also the opportunity to buy drinks and food from the stalls around the gardens.
The band Never in Doubt drew the crowds
Backstage VIP access!
Jonathan Searle takes to the stage while others join in
“The town has really come together”
Vicki Searle said:
“So many people have come along and there’s such a community vibe – the town has really come together to support this event. It’s so amazing to see so many turning up!.
“Henry really loved music and it’s great to see his friends performing including Rhys who has organised all the music. I really must thank him and lots of others who have helped make all this possible, including the team I work with at Swanage Railway – Lorna Lock, Nichola Watts and the reservations team.
“All the money raised will go to our local cancer support charity Cancare and the Swanage Railway Trust’s Save Your Railway appeal. Our amazing sponsors have covered our costs, which means that more can be given to these two good causes.
“Cancare supported us and Henry when he was ill, so it’s good to be able to raise funds for them. They’ve really supported us with the concert as well, especially Charlotte Harris on the marketing side – my right hand woman for the day!”
The Cancare team with Swanage town mayor Tina Foster (centre) and Vicki Searle (far right standing)
Swanage Railway team (left to right) Lisa Gravett, Summer McIntosh and Sally Roberts
Charlotte Harris from C Harris Consultancy (centre) with Cancare founder Vicki Fooks (left) and Swanage town mayor Tina Foster (right)
Music spanned the decades
Those performing included local talent, Karen Grant, Claire Leyman, Aaron Hughes, Emma Fidler and Laura Jolly, as well as those from further away who wanted to be in Swanage to support the event like friends of Henry from the band Never in Doubt.
Music spanned the decades from the 60s and rock and roll, through the 80s with the Freddie Mercury tribute act He will Rock You, and up to the modern day. Even Elvis was spotted on stage – his music living on courtesy of Gary Deamer.
Karen Grant gets the party started
Laura Jolly on stage
Freddie Mercury tribute act belts out the rock anthems
“Totally what we wanted to achieve”
Vicki added:
“Today has been totally what we wanted to achieve. It’s family friendly with no admission charges for children, so everyone can just enjoy themselves.
“It’s so lovely to see so many families marking birthdays and remarkably one gentleman who is a 100 – I’m so pleased they all came along to the concert to celebrate.”
Food and drink concessions proved popular
Jimmy MacDonald (left) celebrates his 100th birthday with family and friends
“Lovely day, lovely food and lovely music!”
Having already received his 100th birthday card from the King and Queen, Jimmy MacDonald from Swanage enjoyed a family feast at the event including, of course, birthday cake.
Originally from Glasgow, he moved to Swanage 40 years ago.
Jimmy said:
“It’s been a lovely day, lovely food and lovely music!”
Elvis is in the building…or at least Prince Albert Gardens!
Further information
- More about Cancare
- Donate to Swanage Railway’s Save Your Railway appeal
