Chester big band Soundwall presented a cheque for a whopping £1,000 to the Hospice of the Good Shepherd (HOGS)  following a concert at St Columba’s Church Hall in Upton.

People flocked to see the band, and their guests, CHArts Young Singers (CYS), a troupe of exceptionally talented performers drawn from schools in and around Chester.

Soundwall member and Chester University lecturer Becci Hall said about the event: “Luckily people were so happy on the dance floor they didn’t mind the fact we nearly ran out of chairs!”

Soundwall rock band who performed at the Big Soundwall concert

Through public and private concerts, Soundwall has raised more than £4,000 for local charities. The stage act comprises auditioned performers of all ages (over 18),  and is accompanied by a professional rock band which  makes the distinctive, hi-energy Soundwall sound.

The latest concert featured award winning Hammond  ballerina Hannah Baird’s solo dance, the Disney smash Let  it Go. 

Ex-Chester Cathedral chorister and composer John Henry joined with Soundwall for the live premier of his Incubo Land, the lead track from the much anticipated Messiah of the Slums trailer.

Soundwall treasurer and vocalist Louise Rogers, who presented the cheque to HOGS during the St Columba’s Hall show, said: “Soundwall are achieving what we set out to do.

“We are a class professional entertainment act, reaching out to our local community where we have accumulated quite a fan base!”

Several members of the Soundwall band feature in the film trailer of the book Messiah of the Slums, which is receiving rave reviews and boasts a readership ranging from Ann Widdecombe to George Galloway.

Soundwall founder and the book's author Catherine Harrison, writing as Charlotte Pickering, said: “Soundwall was my first port of call as I was casting the film. I am so proud of all that Soundwall have achieved."

Catherine has recently met Gerald Kaufman MP about the book,  and has radio and TV interviews scheduled for later in the year.