Sun sets with thousands raised at concerts to protect Jersey's coastline

Sunday 03 July 2016

Islanders who watched the sun set over St Ouen’s Bay last weekend to the sounds of some funk, soul, pop, and Rhythm & Blues raised thousands to help protect a big chunk of Jersey’s coastline from development.

Crowds gathered at the Sunset Concerts at Grantez, armed with picnics and positive vibes to enjoy the sounds of local bands 'The Word on the Street' and 'Little Black Dress' on Friday night and critically acclaimed fun and soul band 'Brother Strut' who were strutting their stuff in the open air on the Saturday night.

The Word on the Street kicked things off, bringing mardi gras to Grantez as they paraded through the crowd and onto the stage with a mix of pop, funk and R&B before Little Black Dress dazzled as the sun went down, serenading the crowd with their take on classic tunes.

Saturday night was funked up as best-selling soul band Brother Strut got everyone dancing in front of the setting sun.

The concerts raised over £8,500 - a record amount for the event - that will go some way towards the National Trust for Jersey's pledge to save 1000 vergees of coastline from development - the size of 445 football pitches - before their centenary anniversary in 2036.

Ashburton Investments volunteers were there to hand out complimentary hot drink vouchers, programmes and National Trust goodies.

The National Trust’s Marketing and Events Manager Donna Le Marrec said: “The concerts were fabulous, we had greater attendance and raised more money this year than any year to date.

"Thanks to the generosity of the public and our sponsor, Ashburton Investments, we have raised a large sum of money which will assist us in our pledge to acquire a further 1000 vergees of coastline from development.”