SINGING talent all the way from South Africa is set to grace Kendal Town Hall and Leisure Centre in aid of flood victims.

Two charity concerts featuring Cape Town’s Lauren-Lee Bock with her band will take place with the aim of raising over £30,000.

The events, which take place on Thursday and Friday this week (March 17 and 18), will also feature raffles with big prizes donated by generous contributors, including a new Vauxhall car  been donated by Arnold Clark, of Kendal. Other prizes include weekends away, £2,000 worth of furniture and vouchers.

Organiser David Gummers, managing director of F. Dickinson Footwear in Ulverston, said: “What I really want to do is bring some smiles back because it’s been a horrible winter.

“I knew I had to do something to help – while I am not great with a brush and shovel, I do manage a couple of artists, one of whom would be perfect to do a charity concert like this.

“I have done charity concerts before, including one in St George’s Church in Cape Town. However this is the first one I have done in England.”

The concerts will kick off at 7pm on both nights, with a live performance of the South African national anthem from Lauren, who will then perform two 45 minute sets.

The raffles and auctions – hosted by professional auctioneer Bill Nelson – will take place in the intervals.

All the proceeds from the concerts are going to Cumbria Flood Foundation. A number of businesses have already donated to the cause, including Emirates, who provided free flights for Lauren-Lee and her band.

Mr Gummers, who manages Lauren-Lee Bock and her band, came into contact with the young Cape Town Music Institute graduate when holidaying in South Africa.

She was working as a beauty therapist, and wowed Mr Gummers with her voice to the point where he immediately wanted to further her performing career.

When he contacted her about doing the charity concerts she immediately agreed.

Tickets for both nights can be purchased from the Brewery Arts Centre, and cost £20 per person.

Organisers will collect any pre-booked tickets not picked up in advance on the night and they will be available for collection at the events themselves.

For more information about tickets see https://www.breweryarts.co.uk/lakes-tickets/listing/KENDAL-FLOODS-CHARITY-CONCERT