Ottery is set to rock once again to raise money for local causes supporting families fleeing conflict with its annual concert.
Ottery Refugee Response Group is hoping to raise awareness and large sums of money with a packed musical programme on April 14.
Rock for Refugees will mark seven years since the start of the war in Syria and will be headlined by the LBJBs.
Concert-goers will also be able to hear from local acts including Irish music duo Rick and OI, who are based in West Hill, and Exeter folk singer Tobias Ben Jacob.
The DJs for the night are Dick Kurtaine and Mr Puckey.
Last year’s event raised £1,500 for RAFT, ABIDE and Refugee Support Devon.
Ottery Refugee Response Group was set up in 2015 and is made up of volunteers. As part of its work, it led a campaign to urge Devon County Council to support Syrian families.
Mel Argent, founder of the group, said: “We’d like to have a really fun party for the local community, while raising money and awareness for Syrian refugees. Many volunteers have helped to organise the concert and with five great acts - it’s going to be a great night. We would also love to welcome new members to plan future events to support refugees as the Syrian war continues into its seventh year.”
Last year the group organised an event called ‘Spotlight on Syria’ to raise awareness of Syrian culture.
Mel added: “At the Spotlight on Syria event we presented a positive and personal picture of the country’s people and culture, to promote greater understanding of the Syrian refugee families that are being resettled in East Devon. The event was free, but people have been very generous with donations. It has been a real community effort.
“We’d like to work with East Devon District Council to ensure that it meets its obligation to house eight Syrian families. So far, three families have been resettled in East Devon. The challenge is a lack of suitable private rental accommodation for these families. Landlords should contact us or EDDC directly if they can help.”
Doors will open to The Institute at 7.30pm on April 14. Tickets cost £5 in advance or £7 on the door and available from The Rusty Pig, Curious Otter Bookshop and online at seetickets.com
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