More Free Family Fun and Fundraising at Guildford Live II, May 28 On Facebook

Published on: 21 May, 2020
Updated on: 27 May, 2020

The council are backing the borough’s second free family-friendly variety performance, dedicated to NHS staff and key workers, by Guildford Fringe Theatre on Thursday, May 28, at 6.30pm live on Facebook.

After the success of Guildford Live I on April 19, 90 minutes of non-stop entertainment with stars from The Jam’s Bruce Foxton to Strictly’s Flavia to Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, raising money for the Royal Surrey hospital charity and the Wysch Foundation, Nick Wyschna, managing director of the Fringe Theatre, decided to do it all again.

Now there will be another chance to experience fantastic live performances and celebrate the incredible work of NHS staff and key workers. The event is open for anyone to watch and you are being asked to bring a “virtual” friend.

As before, there are no tickets but the audience can donate to two good causes again, this time Guildford Philanthropy and The Wysch Foundation.

Guildford Philanthropy was set up in 2014 by the council with support from the Community Foundation to raise money for the borough’s more vulnerable residents and those who find themselves homeless. Since the start of the coronavirus, they have raised a fantastic £100,000 to help support local charities.

Cllr Caroline Reeves

Council leader Caroline Reeves (Lib Dem, Friary & St Nicolas), said: “The first Guildford Live was absolutely brilliant. So many residents have told me how their whole family enjoyed it and we helped raise nearly £3,000. We’re asking all residents to watch again and this time virtually ‘bring’ a friend.

“Guildford Philanthropy have done an outstanding job raising £100,000 since the start of the coronavirus but they still need more help and your support will go a very long way. It’s great that Guildford Live have chosen to support them for their second show.

“Helping those in need has been at the forefront of this epidemic and I am so proud of all our residents for showing tremendous community spirit, making huge sacrifices and following the government guidelines.”

Guildford Live II will be hosted by Nick Wyschna with a star-studded line-up, including Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon, Shane Richie, Jeremy Vine, Debbie McGee, actor Alex Ferns (best-known as EastEnders’ super-villain Trevor Morgan), award-winning magician, juggler and stunt artist Mark Watson and vintage vocal group The Bluebirds.

With them will be returning guests Charley Farley Sunday Four and Guildford’s Rock Choir plus messages of tribute to our NHS and key workers.

Nick Wyschna

Mr Wyschna said: “As soon as the last Guildford Live finished I sat down with my wife Charlotte and a glass of bubbly and said, ‘I want to do that again’. The comments and live reactions from the public gave me the biggest buzz.

“Pairing the performing buzz with the buzz of being able to publicly thank our key workers was more than I could have imagined and I am over the moon to be doing it again. I have a few goals this time, one being raising even more money for our charities and the other being spreading the word even further so more people can enjoy the show.”

Cllr Reeves added: “The challenges our NHS staff and key workers have overcome have been remarkable and we want to demonstrate our thanks and appreciation whenever we can. The first show was a huge success, raising a great deal of money and we are hoping that we can do that for Guildford Philanthropy. They are doing an amazing job raising money to help our local charities and vulnerable residents.

“The Covid-19 outbreak has already had a huge impact on all of our lives and that will continue for months and years, and it is these community-spirited events which help to bring us all together.”

To watch Guildford Live Part I, visit: https://youtu.be/5bfDNQl9gi4