Organisers of a long-running music charity event have had to put their plans for an anniversary concert on hold for this year, and are instead turning their thoughts to 2021.

The Manx Charity Aid concert normally takes place on the first Sunday of TT practice week, and sees 12 hours of non-stop live local music played out on the big Bushy’s stage.

After holding the first show in 2005, the team behind the charity day were aiming to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the much-loved event and add to the total of more than £120,000 already raised for local causes.

Instead, with this year’s event unfortunately cancelled, the organisers have been looking back over their efforts over the past decade and a half and reliving nights of watching hundreds of people dancing to some of the best local bands, as well as some visiting UK groups.

In its early days, the bands played inside the Bushy’s bottleneck beer tent, and later, to match the growth in day’s popularity, the bands were switched onto the main outdoor stage.

Last year saw the event pack out the new Bushy’s TT Village at the Villa Marina, and the organisers were hoping for more of the same this year.

’We are very proud of how this event has grown to be a significant date in everyone’s calendar to kickstart the TT festivities,’ said Andrea Gale, one of the founders of the charity event.

’Martin Brunnschweiler and his team at Bushy’s, along with the team from ELS, have always been very encouraging of the event and we appreciate their support.’

In later years, the team were helped by Jenni Smith and many groups from the Soundcheck youth music initiative appeared on the bill throughout the afternoon.

’Myself and fellow organisers Ian Bradley and Sandra Herbert all agree that one of our favourite moments was when the charity reached the amazing amount of £100,000 in 2017,’ said Andrea.

’The music has played on in all sorts of weather conditions, and we are blessed to feel the friendship, love, and good vibes of all those who have supported Manx Charity Aid by coming to the band day and helping us to help the community.

’The funny tales and memories are too many to mention, and hope that those who attended share the fondness that we do for the Charity Band Day at Bushy’s TT Village.

’We are disappointed along with many people on the island that the Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic has affected so many.

’We hope everyone keeps safe, but we are looking forward to Band Day 2021 and cannot wait to see you all there.’