The parents of a young local man who sadly died of cancer, have thanked all those who supported the “wonderful and moving” Music by the Sea concert in Swanage, Dorset, making it possible for thousands of pounds to be donated to two Isle of Purbeck charities.
Almost £13,000 has been raised for the Cancare cancer support group and the Swanage Railway Trust’s Save Your Railway appeal by the live music concert which took place at Prince Albert Gardens on Saturday 31st August 2024.
Swanage couple Jonathan and Vicki Searle with a photo of their son Henry
Seven-year battle
In its fourth year, the family concert overlooking the bay, was organised by Swanage couple Vicki and Jonathan Searle whose 25-year old son Henry died of a brain tumour in April 2021, after a seven-year battle against the illness.
Organised and sponsored with the help of businesses and individuals in Swanage and around the country, Music by the Sea featured music from across the decades thanks to more than 20 local bands and singers, who performed free of charge, in a nine and a half hour concert hosted by local producer and director Brian Travers.
More than 20 bands and singers performed for free
Henry enjoyed going to concerts in Prince Albert Gardens, a place where he played as a child
“Love for Henry really shone through”
Vicki Searle said:
“It was clear to see that Music by the Sea was a community family event and the love for Henry really shone through. It was wonderful and moving.
“Against a background of determined fundraising, generous donations and kind sponsorship from individuals and businesses – and keeping costs to a minimum – this year’s Music by the Sea memorial concert attracted large crowds of people who came and went throughout the day.
“I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to plan, support and stage the event, the wonderful singers and musicians who gave their talents for free and the lovely people who came to the memorial concert and so strongly supported such a wonderful and happy family friendly community day.
“Music by the Sea is a wonderful way of keeping Henry’s memory alive – and remembering other young people in Swanage who have died – while also raising money for local charities and good causes through the joy of music and song.”
Freddie Mercury tribute act entertains the crowd
A family-friendly community event
“Many enthusiastic and generous people”
Vicki’s husband Jonathan Searle said:
“Raising a total of almost £13,000 for two Isle of Purbeck charities thanks to a one-day event is an amazing achievement and I am so pleased and proud that Swanage came together to support Music by the Sea and the Cancare and the Swanage Railway Trust charities.
“Music by the Sea is a huge event and without the hard work and dedication of many enthusiastic and generous people from the community in Swanage it would not be possible to stage.
“Large crowds of people and large family groups steadily arrived with picnics and drinks. The family day was combined with celebratory events for 18th, 30th, 60th and 100th birthdays and the attendance of a honeymoon couple newly arrived from Denmark.
“The crowds were of all ages, all enjoying music and songs from across the decades.”
The Cancare tent decked out in the charity’s colours of blue and yellow
Volunteers from Swanage Railway at the concert
“Lovely memory”
Chair of Swanage Railway Trust Frank Roberts added:
“I remember meeting Henry Searle for the first time a few months after his cancer diagnosis and I still hold on to that lovely memory.
“We have been keen to help the Music by the Sea memorial concert in Swanage which has been supported by so many fine people and organisations and is a great community event – this year supporting two important Isle of Purbeck charity initiatives.
“I am delighted the event went so well and that it successfully raised the profiles of Cancare and the Swanage Railway Trust and their important roles in the community.”
Further information
- More about Cancare
- Donate to Swanage Railway’s Save Your Railway appeal
