MUSIC and dancing filled out a popular Carlisle music venue last weekend, all in the name of raising money for people going through hardship in Ukraine. 

The Ukrainian Fundraiser Gig, which was held in the city's prolific music venue The Brickyard, took place on Friday (June 3) and raised around £700 for the Disasters Emergency Committee: Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. 

This was organiser Katherine MacKay's first attempt at hosting an event like this, with the idea birthed from just wanting to do her part to help Ukrainians, but she said she pleased the night was such a success. 

News and Star: ATMOS: Created by Wearequasars.ATMOS: Created by Wearequasars.

"After talking to a few friends, I realised there's so many good people wanting to raise money to help the people of Ukraine, so we decided to put on this gig. 

"It was a really good night, a really nice crowd and everything went really smoothly. We didn't leave till about 2am in the end, so it was indeed a very good night.

READ MORE: Fury at Carlisle bus timetable overhaul as lifeline routes cut

"I thought in my head if we got £300 that would be great, so to have raised about £700 I'm absolutely delighted," she said. 

The event hosted a plethora of great-sounding acts well-known to the area, kicking off the evening with some acoustic acts, building up into larger band performances finishing the night with DJ's, including guest DJ Kerry Surman, spinning decks to keep patrons in the dancing spirit. 

Amongst the roster of musicians included, The Unsung, Polyanimal, Wearequasers, Bees in Blankets, Neil McHardy and Sinannon. 

News and Star: TUNES: From Bees in BlanketsTUNES: From Bees in Blankets

"I've got to give a huge thanks to two total legends, Julia Leyland (from The Unsung) for sorting the bands and Ray Begg for the DJ's," she said. 

The event also hosted silent raffle with gifts generous donated by others including yoga sessions, Solfest tickets, cafe vouchers, organic fruit and veg baskets as well as 'hundreds of booze'. 

Katherine also paid thanks to the Brickyard venue for kindly donating the premise for the evening. 

READ MORE: Fundraising gig in aid of Ukraine