Castlewellan concert to support African mission

Castlewellan concert to support African mission

20 March 2013

CASTLEWELLAN’S St. Malachy’s High School will be awash with talent this Sunday as the South Down Youth Mission Group hosts a variety concert to raise vital funds for projects in Zambia.

This summer, a group of 16 young people from the Mission will travel to Zambia to do humanitarian work and the charity has secured a sterling local line-up for Sunday night’s event.

Acts appearing on stage will include the Wildflowers, Philips Sisters, Gene Fitzpatrick and Tom O’Rourke as Joe Dolan.

Mission Group leader, Frances McNally, said the people of South Down have enabled “fantastic life-changing work” to be carried out in the past by young people in the area.

She said those in some of the poorest communities in Zambia have benefited from the support of local people and Frances hopes they will continue with their support by attending Sunday night’s concert.

“We have an eclectic mix of local talent taking to the stage and it promises to be a super night out,” she continued.

“This summer, young people from the area will experience first-hand the reality of poverty in a developing country and will work alongside Zambians helping on farms and building projects.”

In addition, Frances said they will also assist a community of blind women who, through the generosity of people in South Down, have been empowered to start their own chicken farm and support their families.

“I cannot express enough our appreciation to all those who are performing at the concert and to those who have supported us since the Mission Group was established eight years ago,” she continued.

Frances added: “We look forward to seeing some old and new faces on Sunday at our event to raise funds to initiate and sustain projects in the Copperbelt region of Zambia.”

• The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets, priced £5, will be available at the door.