TUNING UP: Grace Notes will perform at The Witham on Saturday afternoon to raise funds for the complex
TUNING UP: Grace Notes will perform at The Witham on Saturday afternoon to raise funds for the complex

A TRIO of dale musicians are taking to the stage this weekend to raise vital funds for Barnard Castle’s arts centre.

Grace Notes comprises Grace Gant, Mick Brennan and Bernard Haston and they will lead an afternoon of entertainment featuring a host of other musicians at The Witham on Saturday, March 7, starting at 2pm.

It will be the third fundraiser the trio has undertaken to support the complex.

The previous two raised hundreds of pounds and Ms Gant said she was hopeful the latest will be just as successful.

“We are a group of mainly instrumentalists and we like to think we provide family entertainment, cheerful and nothing too heavy. We also try to put some humour into it as well,” she said.

“For The Witham we also invite others to join us on stage so we offer a wide variety of entertainment in terms of ages and styles.

“This time, the youngest are 13 and 14 and the rest are usually described as over 21.”

She added: “We try to keep it acoustic. It is just an enjoyable afternoon and in the past, with the different ages and styles, they have gone down very well – we hope this one will as well.”

In addition to the music, there will be a tombola to help boost funds.

“We love to support The Witham. We think it is very important to Barnard Castle,” said Ms Gant.

“It gets people into The Witham as most have a coffee before or afterwards.

“It also helps improve the confidence of the youngsters. It gives them experience of performing.”

In addition to their fundraising efforts for The Witham, Grace Notes are well known for the performances to community groups such as WI branches and the U3A.

Admission to Saturday’s show is £3 and all are welcome.