By Rachael Grealish
It seems people aren’t really pining to be in the fields as due to the roaring success for the first Cumbria’s Virtual Festival a second one is already planned to go ahead this month.
With so many events cancelled because of COVID-19 organisers, James Cowan, Liam Moorhouse and Stuart Fleming (aka the one and only Stella the Fella) decided to throw an online streamed festival to bring people together and raise money for charity.
The first event, on Sunday April 26, was such a success – raising ten times more than their £500 target – the next one is going ahead on May 23 and 24.
Liam said: “We set out to raise £500 and somehow raised over £5,000. The effort and determination of an incredible group of performers to raise money, alongside the fantastic community spirit of those watching and donating made it an event which we’re all so proud of.
“Raising money for a worthwhile cause while raising the spirits of thousands of people through these difficult times is something which we will continue to do with our next virtual festival.”
This time they’re promising bigger and better things from a two-day event with up to 24 acts performing over the weekend – promising something for everyone.
The line up includes performances from Carlisle-based Michael T Ogilive, Rue and the Rockets, The Arguments and many more.
As a special twist two front line workers will also be display their entertaining talents as Nicky B – a Coronavirus front line worker – and Alana – a Hospice at Home nurse – will be performing over the weekend.
“When James and Liam came up with the idea to do an online virtual festival for charity, I was pleased to be involved,” Stuart added, “ I had a few bookings in the diary which were fundraisers for Hospice at Home West Cumbria which have sadly had to be cancelled, so I suggested this as the charity that we could raise funds for.
“I was overwhelmed during my set on Sunday night when James pointed to the total amount raised so that I could announce it live. We didn’t think we would get as much in donations as we did. I would also like to thank all the other acts that took time out to perform and raise money for Hospice at Home West Cumbria”
As this second festival will be double the days the three organisers are hoping to raise £10,000, double the original total.
The second Cumbria’s Virtual Festival is set to go ahead over the weekend on May 23 and 24, all proceeds will go to Hospice at Home.
