Hundreds of music fans descended on Stonehaven yesterday to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment all in aid of a good cause.
More than a dozen bands and singers thrilled the crowds at the 10th annual Party in the Park, organised by local businesswoman Chris Stark.
Each year Ms Stark picks a charity to benefit from the open air concert. and this year proceeds will be donated to the ongoing campaign to bring a satellite dialysis unit to the town.
Yesterday, acts including Fubar, the Little Kicks, Colin Clyne, Voodoo Vibe, Onyx, Leighann Esslemont and OK Taxi and We Are Revolution took to the stage.
Sarah Todd – a staff nurse at the dialysis ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – also played with her punk-folk band Well, while Stuart Leon made his return to the stage with band Eric Euan after receiving a kidney transplant at Christmas.
There was also a range of family entertainment, including a bouncy castle and barbecue.
Ms Stark, who owns the town’s Ma Simpson’s Music Box in Evan Street, said last night: “It has been a fantastic success, it’s been a great day, every one had a wonderful time.
“We raised in excess of £4,500, so it has been a brilliant day.
“The sun stayed most of the day, there was only one little shower of rain, and the bands have all played for free, so we would like to say a thank you to them.”
She added: “Hopefully we’ll see them all again next year.”
Fundraisers from across the north-east have been raising money for a dialysis unit in Stonehaven for the last two years, with individuals, medical professionals and local businesses all getting behind the cause.
Although the full cost of the scheme is still being calculated, campaigners are hoping to raise a further £70,000 by October while NHS Grampian puts together a business case/
If successful, the town would follow Elgin, Banff, Peterhead and Inverurie in setting up a unit – bringing an end to lengthy journey times for people living south of Aberdeen who need dialysis and giving them a better quality of life.