Capacity crowd turns out for successful Gortaclare charity concert

Organiser and secretary of Gortaclare LOL 1293, Malcolm Cathers, from row, third from left, pictured with members of the Pride of the Birches Accordion Band at the annual variety concert in Gortaclare Orange Hall. IB0344CD26 | TC

placeholder image — Organiser and secretary of Gortaclare LOL 1293, Malcolm Cathers, from row, third from left, pictured with members of the Pride of the Birches Accordion Band at the annual variety concert in Gortaclare Orange Hall. IB0344CD26 | TC

Country music fans turn out in force for Gortaclare concert

COUNTRY music fans and the wider community turned out in force for Gortaclare Orange Hall's annual variety concert, with a capacity attendance ensuring another resounding success for this popular fundraising venture.

Organiser and secretary of Gortaclare LOL 1293, Malcolm Cathers (right), pictured with gospel singer Lynda Lindsay at the annual variety concert in Gortaclare Orange Hall. IB0444CD26 | TC

WM Noel O’Brien, left, singer and entertainer Curtis Magee, and treasurer Austin Jones, pictured at the annual variety concert in Gortaclare Orange Hall. IB0544CD26 | TC

Charlie Giles enjoys a cup of tea with singer Curtis Magee at the annual variety concert in Gortaclare Orange Hall. IB0644CD26 | TC

Ethan Todd purchases a CD from singer Curtis Magee at the annual variety concert in Gortaclare Orange Hall. IB0744CD26 | TC

Singer Curtis Magee pictured with Gertie Coulter and Sarah Cathers at the annual variety concert in Gortaclare Orange Hall. IB0844CD26 | TC

Country star Curtis Magee was the star attraction, with Lynda Lindsay and the Pride of the Birches Accordion Band also providing an excellent programme of musical entertainment.

The eagerly anticipated annual event once again proved to be about much more than the music, bringing people together for an enjoyable evening of entertainment, friendship and community spirit, while raising valuable funds through a well-established local fundraising initiative.

The packed hall was a testament to the continued popularity of the concert and the tremendous support it receives from the local community and further afield.

Organised by Gortaclare LOL 1293, the concert has become a much-loved fixture in the local calendar, combining quality entertainment with an opportunity for people to meet up, catch up with friends and enjoy a sociable evening together.

There was plenty of opportunity for the audience to enjoy the performances, while the occasion also provided a chance to chat with the visiting entertainers, purchase music and share a cup of tea.

The success of this year's capacity-attendance event once again underlined the value of such community fundraising ventures, which not only generate much-needed funds but also help maintain the strong social connections that make rural communities special.

With a winning combination of popular performers, a warm welcome and tremendous local support, the annual Gortaclare concert has once again struck all the right notes.