An annual concert aimed at keeping the memory of a tragedy alive in people’s memories, takes place in Douglas this weekend.

The Summerland Memorial concert will see four local bands take to the stage at the Basement Bar, in Wellington Street, Douglas on Saturday, August 10, from 8pm.

The night, which is organised by campaigner Tina Brennen and ex-Manx Radio DJ Chris Shaw, along with local singer songwriter Chris Gray, will be headlined by indie rockers Maldune, and will also feature sets from Truman Falls, the Ballaghs and the Chris Winchester band.

The night will come to a close with a stint by local northern soul DJ Peter Dunn.

For Tina, the reason for holding the memorial concert is the same as when she began them.

’We hold these concerts with the intention of keeping the issues of the Summerland fire in focus in the forefront of people’s minds,’ said Tina.

’It is also to raise awareness of the fire in the minds of younger people as well.

’I want to take any opportunity to make as many people as possible aware of what happened that night, 46 years ago.’

Both Tina and Chris Shaw say that they are looking forward to the night, and that they never fail to be impressed with the help and assistance offered to get the concert underway.

’Every year it reinforces, to me at least, what wonderful musicians we have in the island,’ said Chris.

’Although I don’t play anything myself, I have been around musicians all my life and have supported the local music scene where I can.

’Each year you find somebody new and has a different talent, and it is great that this concert can be a show case for that.

’It brings people together, and they can see a different band or whatever, and the support we have is always fantastic.

’But the tag-line to the whole night is to remember the 50 men, women and children who lost their lives on that awful night, and to keep the memory alive,’ he continued.

This is the sixth time the Summerland memorial concert has been held.

This year they are moving back to Douglas after being held for the past couple of years at the Peel Centenary Centre, with the eye on carrying on with the annual event for as long as possible.

’The concert is something we definitely want to keep going and going with,’ said Tina.

’We have a good amount of supporters who have been amazingly helpful over the years.’

Tickets are £10 each, available from Sound Records, in Duke Street, Douglas.

This year’s gig will raise money for the local charity EPSAIOM, which helps sufferers from epilepsy and other psychogenic seizures.

by Mike Wade

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