Thatcham gig supports upcoming local artists and charity PALS with lively night of musical entertainment

Three brothers have held a charity gig giving upcoming local artists a space to play.

Thatcham Unplugged(ish), organised by Jon, Ian and Mikey Belcher of JMIEvents, was hosted for the first time at Thatcham Memorial Hall on Saturday (February 22).

A packed audience enjoyed covers and originals from a range of genres from artists Anya Lewis, Ronan Hatfull, Lizzie Cullen, Tiegan Doyle, Ian Clayton and Mikey B.

The event raised almost £1,600 for Partners for Active Leisure (PALS), a charity supporting those with physical difficulties up to the age of 25, currently based at Broadway House, Newbury.

The organisers began by thanking newburytoday and Kennet Radio for their support publicising the event. The acts then followed.

Complimentary drinks and a fully-stocked bar also kept visitors fuelled during the night’s entertainment.

PALS manager Helen Randall gave a short speech during the interval about the work the charity does.

Speaking to newburytoday after the event, she said: “Tonight’s been amazing. We brought two of our older ones and they've really enjoyed it.

“The artists have all been amazing, because they’re all giving up their time today. You can’t ask for anything more than that.”

Rufus West, a catering student at Newbury College, also thanked everyone for attending and shared his experience of PALS, which he has been a beneficiary of since the age of five. His mother Jane West is the charity’s chair.

Organiser Jon Belcher, from Thatcham, later explained how the idea for the gig started.

“We’re basically trying to find spaces for original artists to feel comfortable to perform,” he said.

“I used to be a pub manager for a long time and people didn’t give artists a chance with their originals.”

His brother Ian Belcher (stage name Clayton), from Oxford, added: “We went to New Orleans a few years ago and American artists up and coming have a chance to play.

“They play in this street and that street and in that bar. Then they move to another bar and all of it’s a progression.

“Whereas in the UK, we have open mic and paid. There’s this massive space in the middle and that’s what John is trying to fill.”

And explaining why they chose to support PALs, Jon Belcher added: “My dad was in the RAF. He lived in Germany. He used to do massive fundraisers for disabled people to go on holidays who wouldn’t normally go on holidays.

“So, PALS is very close to my heart for that reason.”