The Houghton Weavers to perform charity concert in Southport celebrating folk music

A popular North West folk music group is set to return to Southport to perform a charity concert to raise funds for the town’s Salvation Army.

The Houghton Weavers will take to the stage at The Salvation Army’s Southport Church and Community Centre, located on Shakespeare Street, on Thursday, July 11, for two hours starting at 2:00 pm.

The concert comes just four weeks after the tragic death of the group’s lead singer. The band, comprising of David Littler, Steve Millington and Jim Berry which was formed over four decades ago in 1975, has regularly performed as a three-piece since the news that lead singer Tony Berry had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the beginning of 2018.

The concert in Southport will be the third public appearance since the lead singer’s tragic death from the disease last month.

Captain Michael Hutchings, leader of The Salvation Army’s Southport Church and Community Centre said: “We want to offer our deepest sympathies to The Houghton Weavers and the family and friends of Tony Berry at what is sure to be a very tough time.

“We hope the concert within our town will be a fitting tribute to Tony and the fact that the group is working hard to continue and perform just a few short weeks after his untimely death is admirable.

“Charity concerts like this really help to continue the work that The Salvation Army provides around the UK and all proceeds will go towards the Big Collection appeal which supports the vulnerable and marginalised in the community and so we are grateful to the Houghton Weavers for what is set to be a great concert.

“Everyone is welcome and we encourage all to attend that enjoy music and humour being brought together. It is sure to be a great afternoon which we are all very much looking forward to!”  

The Houghton Weavers has been at the forefront of the country’s music scene over the past four decades and the group has regularly performed in the town, entertaining audiences with a mixture of songs and humour sticking to the motto of always ‘keep folk smiling’.

Tickets are available from the reception desk in The Salvation Army located on Shakespeare Street priced at £12.00 or via telephone on 01704 547805 during the centre’s opening house of 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Tickets can also be purchased on the day and doors open at 1:30 pm.