Carlisle music fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestinians

The event, held at Carlisle's The Brickyard on Friday (April 5), will deliver vital funds to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), a British charity delivering support to Palestinians amidst ongoing conflict. 

A variety of musicians such as Cosmic Cat, Robots with Souls, Werbeniuk, and compere Phil Haslehurst performed to aid the cause.

The event was organised by Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle & District. 

The money raised was a combination of the entrance and raffle takings at the event along with additional donations collected at during the group's weekly city centre vigil outside Carlisle's House of Fraser. 

Vigil in Carlisle's city centre (Image: Fiona Goldie)

The event coincided with Palestinian Children’s Day, a time of reflection on the plight of children in Gaza. 

In a speech on the night, Fiona Goldie, from Carlisle's Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle & District, said: "This year, the international day of the Palestinian child is more poignant than ever.

"The children of Palestine, experiencing unprecedented aggression at the hands of Israeli forces.

"Hundreds have been arrested and detained in the west bank and Gaza, thousands have been killed, many thousands more maimed with life-changing injuries – meaning their whole futures will be impacted by current events."

Despite the logistical difficulties brought on by the current siege in Gaza, Fiona reassured attendees that MAP is persistently endeavouring to provide much-needed aid to Gaza.

"Supplies are purchased in Egypt and transported through Rafah.

"It is not easy, and the need so great, but they continue despite the obstacles, often putting their own lives at risk to save patients.

"They are our group’s charity of choice and we raise money for them whenever we can," Fiona said. 

Upcoming event in Carlisle (Image: Fiona Goldie)

In addition to this, the group's next gathering is set for 6.30pm on April 26 at the Church of Scotland, Chapel St.

It will feature a presentation from a speaker from Amnesty International about Israel’s apartheid against the Palestinians.

Entry will be by donation.