School Aid set to rock Lancaster and Morecambe in aid of local schools

Tuesday, 8 February 2022 14:35

By Greg Lambert

Organiser Jay Blackburn, Steve Morrison from Beyond Radio, John Glaister from The Bobbin, Gibson Freedman from Beyond Radio and organiser Mark Simpson at School Aid 2020.

A two-day live music extravaganza is coming to Lancaster and Morecambe this weekend to raise money for our local schools, supported by Beyond Radio.

School Aid will return this Saturday (February 12) and Sunday (February 13) as musicians come together to perform in aid of local schoolchildren and families who are living in poverty.

Saturday’s 12-hour live music day will be held at The Bobbin in Lancaster, followed by another full day of music at The Exchange in Morecambe on Sunday.

School Aid was set up in 2018 by Morecambe musician Jay Blackburn, initially as a one-day event at The Exchange, in response to a TV news report about school pupils in the town who were struggling financially.

“School Aid is important because it’s helping kids and schools who are struggling due to cuts; breakfast clubs that aren’t funded any more but are still very much needed," said Jay.

*Morecambe singer Stuart Michaels will perform at The Exchange on Sunday as part of School Aid 2022.

“The money goes to schools directly, and the community can help. And they’ve stood up to be counted for the last three years that we’ve done this, and it’s grown every year, so I’ve no doubt they will do it again this year. We have to help where we can.”

Jay also praised the musicians who give up their time to perform.

“We are blessed in this area to have so many great artists and performers to choose from,” he said.

“It’s a community effort. These schools need help and the music community is in in a position to help, so it’s great that all these talented people come together and donate their time so we can help this worthwhile cause.”

Listen to Jay Blackburn talking about School Aid and why it's important.

The most recent School Aid was held in February 2020, raising £5,260 to share between four local schools.

In 2020 a second day was added to the schedule, organised at The Bobbin by Jay’s friend Mark Simpson, who said it was “a pleasure to be involved”.

Beyond Radio has been proud to support School Aid since it began in 2018.

Saturday’s line-up at The Bobbin will be hosted by Gibson Freedman and Steve Morrison from Beyond Radio.

Live music will come from: Jenii & The Doc, Jennie Wren, Fay Marie, Tom Woods, The Craic Inn, Lois Kyle (pictured below), The Jackdaws, The Good Souls, The Glass Poppies, Left, Away from the Numbers, The Charm, Rich Kid Problems and Kiwi.

Sunday’s event at The Exchange in the West End of Morecambe, will be hosted by Greg Lambert from Beyond Radio.

Live music will come from: Jason Mcloughlin (pictured below), 3 Chord Truth, Blue Bay, Niamh Collingwood & Elliott Butler, Philip James Turner & The Crow Mandala, Stevie Wren, Union City, Stuart Michaels, Carlie Mai, Little White Lie5, The Good Souls, Amber Suns, Supersonic Kicks and The Fourth Colour.