We've done the Washing (Cars), we've also completed the running (Manchester Marathon & 10K) and on Saturday 20th June it was time for the fun part, the Gig (Rock)!
It took a lot more planning than expected as we had three bands, BBQ, raffle prizes and a venue to organise and with the added pressure of holding it outdoors in the Great British summertime! (I've never looked at the weather so much in my life!)
The big day soon came around and everything was ready, planned and organised to the second, all we needed was the sun to shine... But no, it rained, and it rained, and it rained. Fortunately I turned up at 5pm to set up and would you believe it, brilliant sunshine. I think someone in those clouds was helping us out.
So, the Sun was shining and everything was in place ready for a great evening what could possibly go wrong? CRICKET!! Yes you heard it right CRICKET.
The event was being held at Ashton-on-Mersey Cricket Club and with it raining all day they had over run their match which was stopping us getting the band rocking and totally knocked out our to-the-second timetable. We all watched in anticipation, waiting for the final batsman to get caught out and he did followed by a strum of a guitar as Stereo Madness kicked things off.
Stereo Madness who are old school friends of Alex's really set the tone for the night, playing Arctic Monkeys and Kings Of Leon, a few people said they would have paid good money to see them.
Next up to play was Educated Risk, our "Resident Band" as we like to call them as they rehearse at The Window Co HQ every weekend. The crowd couldn't believe these lads are only 14. They sang a range of hits plus songs they've written themselves. The next big thing?
While all this was going on Paul Taylor from The Fat Loaf Bistro in Ashton-on-Mersey was cooking up a storm on his BBQ supplying us (free of charge) with gourmet bangers and pulled pork. As you can see from my Brother Brad they went down a treat!
Dave, Nicola and Matt Hulme took to the mic to explain who and what The Alex Hulme Foundation is and where the money raised goes. You could hear a pin drop as everyone listened intently to what this amazing charity are doing in Alex's name.
As the sun died down and it turned a little cooler we headed on inside for our big finale, our headline act The JailBirds.
I've watched these guys a few times at different venues and every time I've danced! They're just that sort of band that can get you dancing whether you've had a drink or not. They have all the great rock and roll songs that they perform with such energy and melody that you just can't help yourself and as you can tell from these images either could our guests.
The raffle took place between The Jailbirds two sets they did for us (I think they do this to give people a chance to rest ;0) It was a huge success as we had lots of prizes donated from local business'.
Everybody danced the night away to the wee small hours and wouldn't let The JailBirds off the stage with chants of "more".
After all the planning and the help from the bands, The Fat Loaf, raffle donations and Dave and Nicola Hulme the night was a huge success. We raised over £3000 for the gig which brings our total to just over £5000. What a night!
A huge thank you to everyone that came along and donated.
Nicola Hulme and Wayne Shaw.
Please check out Gaz Haywood the photographer who took all the images for the event and who did so free of charge.