Musicians play against poverty during the British Golf Open

Residents and visitors to Lytham and St Anne’s during the British Open Golf Championships will be able to enjoy a series of concerts from Jazz to Gospel while also raising money to help some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

The Open 2 All concert series has been organised by local CAFOD supporter Mary Whittle, in support of our humanitarian and development work around the world. Some of the funds raised will also support the two church venues where the concerts are taking place.
Local performers, including the 300-strong Lytham Community Choir, a local folk singer-songwriter Marianne Neary, and the Cardinal Newman College Big Band from Preston will join an ensemble from the BBC Symphony Orchestra (with whom Mary plays viola) in a colourful programme of concerts.

“What started as an idea for one concert has expanded rather a lot," says Mary. "There will be concerts to suit all musical tastes including Jazz, Folk and Gospel. I’m delighted that so many popular local performers and professional musicians are giving their time to travel to Lytham and St Anne’s to support this venture. This year, CAFOD has been focusing on providing clean water and safe sanitation for people around the world – a real basic need that we take for granted here. I really hope people will enjoy the concerts while knowing their evening out is also making a huge difference to those far away.”
The two concert venues are Our Lady Star of the Sea, St Annes, and St Joseph’s, Ansdell. Concerts will last between 1 and 1½ hours and prices start from £6.
CAFOD’s manager for Lancashire Rosa Trelfa said: “Mary has given her all to organising these events. It's ordinary people like Mary and her amazing team making an extraordinary effort that enable CAFOD’s work overseas to continue. The money that flows from these concerts will help people living in poverty transform their lives.

This event occurred in the past: ticket sales are now closed