A CARLISLE fundraising gig has raised over £1,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), a British charity delivering support to Palestinians amidst ongoing conflict. 

The event was hosted by Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle & District on December 8 at the Brickyard.

The group's continuous support for MAP, coupled with donations received at weekly peace events in Carlisle, has now raised a total sum of over £1,800. 

The night's entertainment offered a mix of performances.

It was initiated by a performance from Blue Jam Arts’ samba band, Bjamba. 

Another highlight was local singer Ro Borgia, along with the main act Bees in Blankets.

Fiona Goldie of Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle & District said: "Entertainment for the evening was a diverse mix, and the night was kicked of in banging style by Blue Jam Arts’ samba band, Bjamba.

"Host Phil Haslehurst brought everything together and entertained the audience with protest songs and hilarity- an unusual combination, but it worked.

"The audience was particularly moved by a video of MC Abdul, a teenage boy from Gaza who raps about his childhood underneath the bombs and among the rubble," she said. 

Fiona also gave a brief review of her experiences of occupation when she visited the region, and read a poem by Palestinian writer Ghasan Kanafani, who was killed for his art- his protest against the occupation- with words that still resonate to this day.

The event also hosted an art sale courtesy of StART Collective, who contributed £130 to the fundraising pot.

The event was organised on the eve of the International Day of Commemoration of Genocide, with the group holding their weekly vigil for peace in Carlisle City Centre on December 9. 

The group plans to continue their weekly meetings in Carlisle City Centre every Saturday from 1-2pm.

With the aim of raising more awareness, they are planning new film screenings and fundraisers for the upcoming new year.

Upcoming this week, a screening of the acclaimed film "Open Bethlehem" will be hosted in Penrith at the Haydock Centre, from 6.30-9.30pm.

Admission will be based on donations.