The Big Beat group have announced the launch of their next fundraising event to be held in February 2017 which will see the group of drummers raising funds for Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

The Big Beat will return to the Villa Marina Promenade Suite on 24th February 2017 and will see the team of 6 drummers, Andy James, Steve Leach, Noah Egelnick, Jonny Peacock, Ben O’Hare and Martin Rigby, play along to music, in unison, for over 50 hours.

Following on from the highly successful Big Beat For Hospice event held in November 2014,

Martin Rigby from The Big Beat said: “We can’t wait to get started with another drumming marathon but before we can think about getting our drums down to the Villa Marina again we’ve got a lot of work to do to raise as much money as we can for this fantastic charity which is doing so much for the Isle of Man in raising awareness of heart issues, providing free heart checks and installing portable defibrillators around the Island. This voluntary work costs huge amounts of money and we couldn’t be happier to help raise as much as we can for the team at Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.”

“Whilst we will be focused on raising money at our own gigs, and at appearances over the next few months, we need all the help we can get. Putting on a Big Beat event costs a considerable amount of money and we are asking the local business community to once again show its generosity and community spirit in helping us meet these costs. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/thebigbeat.  We ask that if any business, small or large, is interested in partnering with us, or even just making a small donation, please let us know. Either via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/TheBigBeatIOM or email thebigbeatiom@gmail.com.”

Paul Healey from Craig’s Heartsrong Foundation commented: “We are absolutely delighted that The Big Beat 2017 is going to be for Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, I saw this happen a couple of years ago and thought it was a great idea to raise money for charity. They have a great team of drummers and I am sure the Isle of Man will help support them as they always do. All money raised will help us continue with our ‘public defibrillator’ campaign to help keep the Island a safer place.”

The first Big Beat 2017 appearance will be at Bushy’s on Mad Sunday and will see members of The Big Beat team playing between 1pm and 5pm. If you didn’t catch the 2014 event, then do come along to see what it’s all about. For a taster, see the videos on The Big Beat Facebook page.

Photo - Andy Frankland-Davies alongside The Big Beat team – back row left to right Andy James, Noah Egelnick, front row left to right Ben O’Hare, Jonny Peacock, Steve Leach and Martin Rigby.  Courtesy of Mike Wade.