High Sheriff to host annual concert in Old Town
It will be an evening of music and fundraising
The High Sheriff’s Concert is back at Christ Church in Old Town tonight.
The annual event has been running for around 20 years and aims to increase community spirit while raising funds for a good cause.
All proceeds will go towards Swindon’s domestic abuse charity Society Without Abuse.
Martin Nye, High Sheriff of Wiltshire, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting this year’s High Sheriff’s Concert for such a truly important cause. I’m really looking forward to an exciting evening of superb music, and the opportunity to connect with the marvellous people, organisations and charities that make our county such a strong and compassionate community.”
Starting at 7.30pm, the event will feature all-female band Swing Birds.
'It all starts with community support'
Music lovers can choose to only attend the concert or also visit the post-show reception with drinks and a buffet.
Event organiser Nicky Alberry DL, who was the High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 2018/19 and works for the charity, added: “The High Sheriff's Concert is always a great night of music, fun, and connection. Swing Birds are not only inspiring but exceptionally talented at getting everyone up and dancing – it’s impossible not to be swept up by their energy!
“Most importantly, this event helps raise vital funds to tackle domestic abuse in our society. Through education, prevention, and early intervention, we can change lives – and it all starts with community support.”
While the High Sheriff’s Concert has been a staple on Swindon’s event calendar for years, it has only been raising funds for Society Without Abuse in recent years.
This year, the money raised will go towards the HOPE Award, the charity’s schools programme, which is part of its early intervention and education efforts.
One in four people experience domestic abuse
“It impacts so many people. It might well be a family member, it might be a work colleague, it might be a neighbour or a friend. One in three women, one in six men at some stage in their life will experience some form of abuse”, explained Ms Alberry.
“It isn't just physical abuse. It's emotional controlling and coercive behaviour, economic and financial abuse, sexual abuse. It is everywhere in our society, and it's just it's just not good enough. We need to do something about it.
“And so the funds, are for educating young people about what are healthy relationships, what it's like to be a good friend.
“It’s so important to give them the tools and the techniques to be able to experience life without abuse as they grow older.”
Tickets for the concert can be purchased at ticketsource.co.uk/stardustevents or at Christ Church Parish Office.
If you’re affected by issues raised in this article, there is help available from your local domestic abuse service at 01793 610610.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.