A festive fund-raising concert, held shortly before Christmas, raised more that £1,500 for a local homeless charity.

The annual Lesh Shee As Graih concert, organised by the local group Truman Falls, was held at St Ninian’s Church on Friday, December 14, and featured performances from Jeff Jepson and the Ballacottier School choir, alongside Truman Falls themselves.

The concert was held in aid of the charity Graih, which provides support for the homeless on the Isle of Man.

Truman Falls singer Simon Rea said that the concert was a wonderful event to be part of, and that the support they raised surpassed all their expectations.

’The church was absolutely heaving on the night,’ said Simon.

We had so many people in there, singing along and joining in. It was a wonderful sight.

’All the groups were terrific, but we reckon that the Ballacottier School choir stole the night. They were led by Katie Lawrence, and were just lovely.

’When they sang ’Christmas 1914’, which is a relatively new song about the First World War, honestly, there wasn’t a dry eye anywhere to be seen.

’We haven’t finished counting up yet, but so far we have raised £1,500, with a bit more to come, which will all go to help support Graih and the homeless.’

Simon confirmed that the Lesh Shee As Graih concert will return for Christmas next year, on Friday, December 13, 2019.

’We will definitely hold the concert again,’ he said.

’We wanted to make sure the concert becomes a yearly event, and we think it is very well established now.

’It is by far my favourite event of the year, and this year’s concert was magical.’