Con-Tribute takes Ilfracombe by storm

Tony Gussin Tuesday, March 19, 2013
4:04 PM

Musicians and their audiences turn out at the town’s pubs on Saturday to ‘play for Mackay’.

Connor Mackay and friends enjoyed a great night of music.

ILFRACOMBE enjoyed a 12 hour musical marathon on Saturday as 30 artists from North Devon and further afield took part in the much anticipated Con-Tribute event.

Hosted by several pubs in the town, the event was organised by the musician friends of Connor Mackay, to help raise money to replace some of the belongings stolen from him, while promoting anti-theft awareness.

Con-Tribute toured The Pier Tavern, The Sandpiper Inn, The Royal Britannia, The Ship and Pilot and The George and Dragon before heading up Fore Street via The Chill Bar, culminating in a most extraordinary finale at a fully packed Buddy’s Live Lounge.

Here, Connor himself took to the stage with lead vocals to give a truly emotional end to a fantastic day.

Ellie Campbell and Nathan Layland perform.

A dedicated crowd of around 200 people followed the action throughout the day and so far some £960 has been raised, but more is till coming in. Any surplus money will be donated to Macmillan and RNIB.

It is now hoped Con-Tribute can become an annual event.

“I was totally overwhelmed by the support I have received and seeing all the musicians and the town come together has really restored my faith in the community,” said Connor afterwards.

“I cannot thank all of you enough for everything you have done for me today.”

Odds 'n' 8 Balls perform.

Sponsored by Ilfracombe Round Table and Taylors Solicitors, the fundraising was maintained all day, with raffle ticket sales, silent auctions and bucket swinging.

Organiser Peter Bradshaw added: “All the musicians worked incredibly hard on the day and played their hearts out.

“We cannot thank them enough for everything they put into this event, it showed what a strong community we really do have and it was great to bring everyone together for such a worthy cause.”

Organiser Kelly Render said they could not thank Taylors Solicitors and Greg Schofield plus The Round Table for all their work: “What they did was amazing and I personally cannot thank them enough for the hard work and time they gave to us for such a worthy cause.

“Many thanks must go to everyone who came to support the event and massive thanks to all the bands and musicians that ‘played for Mackay’.

“One more thank you needs to go to Mark Presland, who went from pub to pub documenting the day with some beautiful photographs and staying right until the very end.