Great turnout for Chesil Rocks Festival at Weymouth Pavilion

The annual music festival, Chesil Rocks, took place at the Ocean Room at Weymouth Pavilion on Saturday with many people turning out to enjoy the great display of local music.

(Image: Chloe Boden) The event, that raises money for Samaritans, kicked off at 2.15pm with a vibrant performance from Let’s Dance, followed by Dorset Rock Choir and Portesham Ukelele Band.

This year the festival was the first time being held at Weymouth Pavilion instead of the organisers garden in Langton Herring.

Hilary Bennet, who attends every year said: “Its wonderful. My mother and my daughter were both in the Samaritans so it’s very important to me.”

(Image: Chloe Boden) Sue Johns, from Piddle Valley, who also performs in the Portesham Ukelele Band, said: “It’s very good and it’s clear a lot of effort has gone into it and it’s so good to see so many talented people.”

(Image: Chloe Boden) The festival was started by Tim and Hilary Warren in 2012 to raise money for the mental health charity that operates with such dedication in Dorset.

Hilary said: “It’s going better than I could’ve ever dreamt.”

Tim added: As a police officer of 30 years I attended a lot of suicides and you remember every single one. If we raise enough money they can just worry about doing what they do best.”

(Image: Chloe Boden) With the event being sponsored by the RiskStop Group Limited and an anonymous private sponsor, all upfront costs are covered, meaning that the proceeds of all tickets sales will be given to Samaritans.

Musicians Georgia Owen and Carl Spillett, travelled from Wales to see the local acts perform.

Georgia said: “It’s a really good vibe for a fantastic cause and it’s amazing it’s gone on all these years. Weymouth is a great place to come. It’s so good for bringing the community together.”

Carl said: “I love live music, you can’t beat it and it’s great to support it and to support Samaritans.

(Image: Chloe Boden) Samaritans is a helpline providing emotional support particularly for people at risk of suicide.

Acts performed until 10pm and from performers Pete Brown Blues Band, London Gay Men’s Chorus and Balance of Power. There was also a DJ set into the night.