THE Welcome Fest – Huddersfield’s answer to Glastonbury – went down a storm at a private venue in Birkby.

The event, held in aid of the local charity The Welcome Centre, based at Lord Street, Huddersfield, raised a fantastic £2,517 and was a great success.

Highlights of the night were local bands Versatonic, The Rag Tags – fresh from supporting Mumford and Sons at Greenhead Park – The Blind Dead McJones Band, Dave Haigh’s Calamity combo and Omith.

Despite a rainy start to the evening the skies soon cleared and the crowd hit the dance floor – the rain and mud just adding that authentic festival feel!

A delicious supper, reiki and reflexology sessions, a raffle and even cupcakes were also available.

The Welcome Fest hosts Andy and Mithu, owners of the Birkby Lodge Dining Club which provided the food, were very pleased with the event, and are hoping to hold another festival next summer.

Karen Selley, the manager of The Welcome Centre, was absolutely thrilled. She said: “The Welcome Centre has been facing a real challenge recently with the numbers of referrals continually increasing, particularly as a result of the current financial climate.

“We are very grateful to Andy and Mithu for organising this event on our behalf, and to everyone who sponsored, played at and supported the Welcome Fest.”

The money raised from the Welcome Fest will be used to support local people in crisis.

In the last year the centre gave practical support and help to more than 3,925 and 4,605 packs were given out.

Clients are referred to The Welcome Centre from more than 80 different agencies, and are given practical aid in the form of food and bedding packs, clothing, toiletries and home-starter kits.

Melinda Sharpe, chairman of the centre’s management committee, points out that: “Crisis can happen to anyone at any time, and many of us know people who have had to turn to The Welcome Centre for support.

“With only two or three food packs we can give an individual the help that they need to turn their lives around.”

The Welcome Centre is always very grateful for support from the local community, and accepts all donations, both of goods and cash.

If you would like to find out more about how you can help the Welcome Centre please contact Karen Selley at thewelcomecentre@btconnect.com or call 01484 340034.

For more information about upcoming events look at the website www.thewelcomecentre.org