Ian Siegal heads Maryport Blues Festival show for Cumbria flood victims

Ian Siegal is to headllne a standalone event staged by organisers of the Maryport Blues Festival, in aid of victims of the Cumbria floods.

A series of three storms ravaged the northern English region at the end of last year, causing billions of pounds of damage. Main roads throughout the area remain closed, with authorities estimating the economic impact at over £1m per day.

The 18th annual Maryport Blues Festival will take place as usual on the weekend of July 29-31, featuring Royal Southern Brotherhood, The Blues Band, Stevie Nimmo Trio, Red Butler and many others.

But Siegal, Jon Amor, The Brian Rawson Band and others will perform without pay at the town’s Marquee venue on June 12, with profits going to the Cumbria Community Foundation.

Festival chairman David Park says: “Many people were badly affected by the floods, and, being part of the community, we’re keen to do something to help.

“The artists have agreed to perform for free, which is something I know the communities will appreciate.”

Full details of the fundraiser will be revealed on the festival website. Earlybird tickets for the July weekender are on sale now.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.