A popular local music festival which had it’s debut in Weymouth last December is returning for a summer edition.
‘Gimme Shelter’ is organised by charity worker Martin Saint who works for the charity YOU’s Social Inclusion Service, known locally as Your Journey; Paul Sharod, a local musician of The Surfin’ Birds’ fame; and Rhos Thompson, landlord of the Smugglers’ Inn in Wyke Regis, Weymouth. In December of last year the previous event raised over £1k for the service, alongside a charity single from the Skimmity Hitchers and Co and a raffle which happened during the evening.
Gimme Shelter is set to return at the Smugglers in Wyke Regis, Weymouth on 10th June.
Of the line up, Martin says ‘we have outdone ourselves securing bands this time as we have Dorset’s biggest dub-reggae band headlining in the absolutely fantastic Cuba Libre; there’s a special guest appearance from Mr James Weston, who is coming all the way from America to play; we also have the West Country’s answer to The White Stripes – Jawbone – in the house; if you like your rock’n’roll, this is not to be missed.’
This time round the festival is also looking to showcase bands from local schools during the afternoon slot. It’s set to be a great community event with hopes of raising even more money for the valuable local service.
‘Everybody of any ages are welcome and as ever, all donations for food and clothes are welcome and all funds will be going to the Dorset Social Inclusion Service to help clients with difficulties with their housing.’ says Martin.
Money raised will specifically go towards the rent deposits fund. For most people the service works with, getting together the necessary deposit is a real barrier to ever being able to live independently in their own accommodation. A deposit for a single room can be, at it’s cheapest, £800. The Dorset Social Inclusion Service works with people who are eligible for council funding, with money raised through Gimme Shelter helping to top this up and give a vulnerably housed person a real chance for a fresh start in a new home.
Martin Saint
