Manchester based organisation LIPA to host hurricane disaster charity event

A family fun charity event will be held this Saturday to help raise money for the Leeward Islands after the hurricane devastation earlier this year.

Headlining the show at Manchester’s own Morgan’s bar will be reggae star Susan Cadogan, whose hit ‘Hurt So Good’ was No.4 in the UK charts in 1975, along with Dawn Zee, Chantelle Jackson, Sylvia Tella and Ossie Gad and many more.

The cultural event will not only include performances from native singers, but also poetry from Winford Sweeney, drumming from Tony Chess and dancing from the Ash Company. With the addition of children’s educational activities, games and presentations by St Mary’s Saturday School, it will be a night to remember for all ages.

Leeward Islands Peoples Association (LIPA) and Afro-Caribbean Community Network have come together to bring a contribution to a cause close to their hearts.

With the association’s ancestors originating from the islands, particularly St Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, Anguilla, Dominica and Montserrat, they are dedicating all their time to making as much money as they possibly can to help rebuild what was lost.

Singer Susan Cadogan, who appeared on Top of the Pops in 1975, said: “Although I am from Jamaica, this contribution still means a great deal to me.”

“My first hit ‘Hurt So Good’ was a number one hit in Antigua and other islands, even before it was in London. An Antiguan radio station, ZDK, used to play my songs and I made a few number one hits out there, so as a place it really stood out for me in terms of my career.”

“I spent a lot of time in Antigua too as my father was a Methodist Minister who was stationed there, and so I became quite fond of it.”

“I was really happy when I was asked to come and sing to support the cause as I have a personal connection with the place and want to do anything I can to help.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine what it has been like for the people who live on the islands, some places were totally obliterated.”

“I was in Florida for the last hurricane and we didn’t have electricity for three days, it was so hard. But these people’s homes are gone! And their lives turned upside down!”

“There are no words to describe what they must have been through. It is so awful.”

“So I will do whatever I can to support them. I am very happy to help.”

There are approximately 50 volunteers that will be helping on the day, and all artists have been kind enough to dedicate their talent, time and effort for free.

Less than two weeks away from Christmas, the event could not have been scheduled at a better time of year to give to the less fortunate. The money raised will go towards homes, food supplies, clothing and essential aid for all those affected by the catastrophic Hurricane Irma.

To buy tickets to the event please call 07961172026 or 0208 330 2809.

If you would like to make an online donation, please visit the Leeward Islands Peoples Association (LIPA) or The Ascension Trust or call 0208 330 2809 to make a phone call donation.