A benefit concert to raise funds for Margate’s mysterious and magical shell grotto is being held on Saturday, July 5, at the Hilderstone memorial theatre in Broadstairs.

The show is in aid of The Friends of the Shell Grotto, which is being formed on the night to safeguard this national treasure.

It is being staged by World Tree Music, founded by John and Gretchen Cornwall from Margate, for whom music is a passion.

They produced their first CD, Above and Below, in their Margate-based recording studio, and the band’s second CD will be available later this year.

Gretchen said: “Describing our music is challenging as it crosses the bounds of celtic, folk, African rhythms and classical influences. We are often compared to Clannad, Loreena McKennitt and Annie Haslam.”

Gretchen has a background in musical comedy and theatre whereas John has been in prog-rock bands as bass player and song writer/singer.

The instrumentation for this concert will include a bass, acoustic guitars, flute, Djembe, drums, violin and keyboard effects, with the duo joined by professional musicians from film, TV and recording backgrounds.

They include John Howitt, bass and guitar; flautist and sax player Pete Lowe; percussionist Ade Powell; and drummer Nigel Durban.

World Tree will also be joined by two newcomers for the evening, Christina Harrison on flute and Dennis Ralph on violin and mandolin.

Gretchen has been researching the grotto with local historians Mick Twyman and Alf Beaching, and their book about the monument will be released next summer.

She said: “We hope that by shining a light on the enigmatic temple we will remind the public what a fantastic site it is to visit.

“We would also like to see more funding for its preservation. After all, this is the only one of its kind in the UK, perhaps anywhere.”

The grotto is privately owned by Sarah Vickery who said: “We’ve had a huge and exciting breakthrough recently, with English Heritage, Kent County Council and Thanet District Council all committing to assist with much-needed conservation funds.

“However, we must provide a certain amount of match-funding so we need to raise a figure of at least £9,000.”

Towards this end, Sarah will announce at the concert the formation of The Friends of the Shell Grotto, an independent trust that will work towards raising funds in order to safeguard the grotto.

The concert will include light refreshments with an open bar available during the interval. Tickets are £10 and include one free admission to the grotto; simply hold onto your tickets and present them at the grotto.

Tickets are available from the Sarah Thorne Theatre Club, Memorial Theatre, Hilderstone, St Peter’s Road, Broadstairs, CT10 2JW, or telephone the box office on 0845 2626263 or online at www.worldtreemusic.com