More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
You've heard of the Royal Variety Show but how many knew about the Rotary Variety Show?
Celebrities such as former EastEnders' actor Shaun Williamson, who played Barry Evans in the TV soap, and Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket joined forces to perform in the virtual variety show to raise funds for Minster-on-Sea Rotary Club on the Isle of Sheppey.
The event, which featured 10 acts, raised £800.
Club president Ray Seager said: "We ran it as fundraiser for local charities to help replace the lost income from our beer festival, Santa Saunter and Island Run.
"As a club we have run three online pig races, one for ourselves, one for Maidstone Dawn Patrol Rotary Club and one to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease. Adding all four events together we have raised more than £10,000."
The show was put together by country singer Damien Logan. Ray said: "Damien is a fabulous musician I got to know when he performed at Minster Working Men's Club. He is not only a great entertainer but he was totally responsible for putting the show together and advising me on any technical issues."
He added: "Damien now lives in Nottingham but at the time of production he lived in London, so not only did he produce the show he was moving house as well."
The show was broadcast via Zoom and cost £12 per household.
It featured many Island acts including Shaun Williamson, singer Annie Love, magician Matty Evans and comedian Miki Travis.
Also on the bill were ukulele player Mandi Harkett, who is a regular at Blue Town's Criterion Music Hall, singer-songwriter Mat Roberts, Steve Berry who sang songs from West End musicals and rock singer Rozzy Turner who was on Will. I. Am’s team on the Voice UK.
Since the broadcast, earlier this month, the Rotary club has confirmed its beer festival at the Aviator, Queenborough, will return on Saturday, August 7, from noon. Tickets are £10 for three pints of beer or cider.
The club has also begun supporting Joining Hands Joining Hearts which helps victims of domestic abuse. It teamed up with Morrisons at Neats Court, Queenborough, to provide afternoon tea for women and Easter eggs for children.
