Fantastic entertainment at Summer Fizz concert

A 75 strong audience were witness to a fantastic evening’s entertainment at Middleton Rotary Club’s Summer Fizz concert held at Alkrington & Providence United Church on Saturday night.

The concert was held to raise funds for the NSPCC, which is outgoing President Jan Powell’s nominated charity for the year, and in fact the concert represented the last main function for Jan as she relinquishes the chain of office in just two weeks’ time.

The first half of the show saw the very talented and award-winning Middleton Youth Band and members of the main band entertain with some very modern renditions including an Abba medley, their very own arrangement of Tequila and also a couple of Tom Jones numbers.  

Following the interval, where prosecco and cake was served to the guests, the audience settled down to be entertained by the Rock Choir of Greater Manchester East, and they didn’t disappoint.

Led by choir leader Anthony Clegg the choir had the audience mesmerised with wonderful harmonies arranged to songs of the modern era. 

Amongst the songs performed were ‘A little Respect’ (Erasure) the very recent ‘Human’ (Rag & Bone Man) and also one of Rock Choirs’ favourite ‘anthems’ over the years of ‘Something inside so strong’ (Labi Siffre), which featured a solo performance by Middleton Rotary’s treasurer Keith Trinnaman. 

The choir had the audience singing and clapping with the music, in what proved to be a very successful evening all round, where funds of approximately £900 were raise for the NSPCC charity.

At the end of the evening the Middleton Band Secretary said: “We really enjoyed performing for Middleton Rotary and appreciate the support they always give us.

“It was a great evening and we thought that East Manchester Rock Choir were absolutely brilliant. A fantastic concert all round.”

President Jan said: “We have had such a wonderful evening of entertainment, the young people of Middleton in the band displayed so much talent and it is heartening to see young people aspiring to learn a skill in the arts. 

“As for Rock Choir, they totally blew the audience away with such fantastic harmonies of songs over the years we have all grown to love.

“We were so fortunate and thankful that all the entertainers gave of their time at no cost, furthermore Alkrington & Providence Church allowed use of their facilities at no cost. 

“As a result, we were able to raise funds of £900 for NSPCC a charity that has a special meaning to me. 

“A great way to end my Rotary year, and a big thanks to all who contributed.”

MP Liz McInnes, who was in the audience, said: ‘Great night, thanks for inviting me. Congratulations to Middleton Rotary Club on raising around £900 for the NSPCC - a great achievement.”