Rise Up! For Refugees Fundraiser.

Stroud Against Racism ran a hugely successful fundraiser in partnership with Stroud Brewery on Friday 6thMay raising an amazing total of £3567.25 which will be split between local charity GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. Back Houses kicked off the night with a 4-piece acoustic collective, spinning social commentry, spiritual and astrophysical folk songs of this time. Their 2022 EP is available at https://backhouses.bandcamp.com/releases

Then St Vincent and the Grenadines who usually play at the weekly young artist MoJam nights at SVA played impressive covers and original tracks, they were spot on with the warm-up vibe while the crowd pondered the auction. Emma Riches spent some time on the decks as well as being the MC in sparkly glory with Abbi Kirby. DJ Monobrow (aka Tom Berry of Sound Records) also graced the decks, giving funky vibes, plus The Wooolheads gave us a load of electronic noise.

Red Medusa had graced the event with a recorded poetry set called HUMAN, expressing her views on what it means to be forced from your home, bringing tears to people's eyes. Gary Huskisson, one of the SAR directors, had written a poem throughout the evening and shared it with us. Both giving us insight, awareness and a true purpose for what we were fundraising for and helping everyone think more deeply about the issues.

Closing the evening with his digital decks was Jake Wheatley. DJ Ansätze was due to play a set but alas the equipment was lacking, but we want to say thank you for being ready to play Harry! Sam Judd was instrumental with getting all the sound working and filling the gaps when needed. Plus Jamie and Emily doing the auction were a massive part of the event raising so much that night.

All with the brilliant backdrop of the Stroud Brewery Balcony bar, which was the perfect setting for the eclectic range of artists who were involved. GARAS volunteers also came along on the night and it was a fun and enjoyable evening enjoyed by all. Stroud Against Racism would like to thank everyone who was involved in making the evening so successful.