Musicians raised thousands of pounds to help with the running of a local arts and performance venue.

The Women In Song choir were joined by the Mollag Band and a varied group of guest soloists at the Peel Centenary Centre to perform a fund raising concert, helping to raise more than £1320 for the centre.

The centre was almost sold out and the packed audience heard the Women In Song choir, led by choir leader Karen Elliott perform a range of popular songs, accompanied by pianist John Elliott.

They were joined by Cleveland medal winners Mandy Griffin, who sung music from Carmen, and Matt Quinn who sang music frpm the Marriage of Figaro.

Karen also joined in with a version of ’Vissi D’Arte, by Tosca, before the three singers came together as a trio to perform ’Si’il Vento’.

The evening also heard from the original Manx folk-pop group the Mollag Band, led by Greg Joughin and featuring singers Hilary Gale, Sarah Hewson and Julie Matthews.

’It was a brilliant night,’ said Karen.

’We weren’t sure if the mix of classical and pop music would leave the crowd a bit confused, but the atmosphere was terrific.

’All the money raised will go back into the centre.’

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers