LIVE music rang out for good causes as Roped In for Bridport held a sold out and socially distanced mini festival.

The Ropemakers pub and Bridport Town Council joined forces to host the event at the Millennium Green, which has raised around £1,750 for Bridport Community Fridge and Parkinson’s UK.

In normal times, The Ropemakers holds a number of live music fundraisers throughout the year, but with the coronavirus restrictions, this wasn’t going to be possible.

However, Keith Hatch and Ruthy Ni Connallain, who have helped organise some of the We Shall Overcome fundraising events at the pub approached landlords John and Geraldine and soon a plan was formed. The town council offered support through its events team and Roped In for Bridport was born.

The day was split over two stages with local acts and Ropemakers favourites bringing some much-needed live music to Bridport.

Performers included Dylan Ross, Rosie Smith, Magdalene and the Mystical Birds, John D Revelator, Psychadelephant, Sinful Maggie, Samantics and headlined by the Skimitty Hitchers, with Herbie Treehead keeping control of proceedings.

John Baker from The Ropemakers said: “It was a fantastic day. It was so nice to see so many people enjoying themselves in such a safe and responsible way and listening to so brilliant live music.

“The crew, volunteers and the town council did an amazing job and everyone, including a large number of business sponsors, were so generous. We are working through the costs at the moment, but we think that the event will have raised around £1,750 – which will be split between Bridport Community Fridge and Parkinson’s UK.”

Daryl Chambers and Terri Foxwell from Bridport Town Council said: “We have always said Bridport is an eventful town with a fantastic community spirit – and the day proved it, even in times of adversity. It was good to work with The Ropemakers.

"The town council liaised with the relevant authorities in advance to ensure everything was run safely – but at the end of the day the audience behaved brilliantly and were just happy to be out in the sun enjoying themselves and listening to live music.”