A new event inspired by Paris Music Festival is set to take place in Swindon next month.

The Hope for Prospect Music Fest is organised by local singers Ellen Travers-Gaisford and Sinéad Nolan-Martin, who are part of the close harmony group Bel Canto.

The event will aim to raise funds for Wroughton's Prospect Hospice, which provides care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families but is currently under threat of closure due to a financial crisis.

The pair were moved by the 'Save our Hospice' appeal and decided to bring their Paris performance to Swindon, inviting other performers to join in.

The appeal shared the story of Mrs Nolan-Martin's late husband, Harry Martin, who was cared for by the Prospect Hospice at home until he died aged 25 from a rare form of brain cancer.

Ms Travers-Gaisford was also touched by the loss of a friend who had to be moved from the hospice due to bed cuts.

The variety show, which will be hosted by Geoff Marsh, promises an evening of musical entertainment from a mix of artists, including Bel Canto, Swindon Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and Everybody Sing Show Choir.

There will also be performances from local soloists including Matilda Wale and classical pianist Paul Turner.

The event will take place at Christ Church, Swindon, on Friday, November 15, at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced at £15 each, can be bought from the parish office at Christ Church Community Centre, Prospect Hospice, or online at the Prospect Hospice website.

All proceeds from ticket sales, the raffle, and the bar will be donated to the hospice to support their services, including the inpatient unit and Prospect@Home care service.

For those who would like to donate to the cause, a JustGiving page has been set up.

Jeremy Lune, CEO of Prospect Hospice, said: "Every year, Prospect Hospice supports hundreds of families across Swindon and the surrounding areas who are going through one of life’s hardest journeys.

"We want to be there to care for every person with a life-limiting illness who needs us.

"That is why we are so grateful to Sinéad and Ellen for all the hard work they have put into organising this event.

"The funds raised help Prospect Hospice to make a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of people and their loved ones every day.

"Thank you Sinéad and Ellen."

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