Night of Live Music to Raise Funds for Hospice
A night of live music in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice is to be held in February at Venue16.
Taking place on Friday 6 February, with doors open from 7.30pm, the evening will see performances from rock and blues band Red Sky High, folk reggae band Bear Witch Project as well as the duo of Cosima Suzanne and John Green.
The event is being organised by Alan Wilkinson, rhythm guitarist in Red Sky High, in memory of his wife, Linda, who received support from St Elizabeth Hospice before her death, aged 73, in April 2025, on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Ipswich.
“The care, kindness and compassion we received at the hospice was incredible,” said Alan, who is from Creeting St Mary.
“That experience inspired me to host this fundraising evening and to volunteer for the charity. I now volunteer on Friday afternoons on the Inpatient Unit. It feels worthwhile to give back to the people who gave so much to my wife and our family.
“The hospice performs such a vital service in our local community, yet it relies heavily on generosity from the community.
“They made Linda’s wish to not die at home possible and provided immeasurable care. It’s a very special place, which is why I am so proud to support the charity by hosting this benefit gig to show my gratitude.
“I really encourage anyone to come along for what promises to be a brilliant night of live music, all while supporting our local hospice.”
The gig will be one of Red Sky High’s first performances in just over a year, following the death of Linda and of the band’s former drummer, Paul Rivers, meaning the evening will be a poignant occasion.
Tickets cost £5. There will also be a bar and a raffle, with Venue16 kindly allowing the event to be held free of charge.
Kelly Nekrews, community fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Alan, his bandmates and all the artists performing at Venue16. It promises to be a fantastic night of entertainment.
“Every pound raised will make a vital contribution to our services, helping us support more people and their families during life’s most difficult times.”