A music festival, which was put on to raise money for a charity, was a success.

The Feel The Bonfire Blues, held at the Old Fire Station on Sunday, November 7, was put on by Graeme McGrory, a long-time blues fan, and partner of Ann Westcott, who has Alzheimer's.

The festival was part of a series of festivals that started in 2015.

Ann still loves music and a special event, covered by Radio Cumbria, was held at Dalton Court Care Home in Cockermouth on 16th April for Ann's 70th Birthday.

Blues musicians including Ash Wilson, Jon Amor and Tommy Allen have played at Feel The Blues over the years to support Ann and Alzheimer's Society.

After a 3 year break, following Graeme getting used to Ann now living in Care Homes, Feel The Blues returned in June.

£1443.04, including online auction of a guitar, was raised for Alzheimer's Society at Covid Compliant gigs at The Huntsman in Cockermouth and Maryport Rugby League Club.

An opportunity arose for a long term friend of Ann and Graeme, Danny Bryant, an internationally renowned Blues musician, to support Ann and Alzheimer's Society .

Danny was able to find a date in his diary and Feel The Bonfire Blues happened on November 7th as a result.

Danny's connection with Ann is shown by him pointing to an Alzheimer's Society badge he was wearing, talking about Ann and why the gig was happening at the beginning of his set.

Danny was ably supported by some great local musicians. Stephen Dunn from the Postcard Band welcomed the intimate audience of around 90 with a humorous couple of songs before handing over to Stoney Broke who gave a masterclass in solo guitar blues .

Roz Sluman 's Big Shoes Band then entertained with a set of jazzy blues. Roz has played at every Feel The Blues since the first in 2015.

A Raffle sponsored by Crown Inn Stanwix, Danny Bryant, local Band Hardwicke Circus, IBIS Carlisle and Stoney Broke, helped raise £444.44, which has been donated to Alzheimer's Society.

There are two more events supporting Alzheimer's Society happening soon in Cumbria.

On November 26, Roz Sluman has organised a gig headlined by her band Evolution, at The Source in Carlisle.

On December 10 Threlkeld Activities Association have organised an evening with the Committed To Rock Choir.