LOCAL musicians are getting together to form an “ad hoc” orchestra for a one-off charity concert in the Forest to show solidarity with people who are suffering as a result of the war in Ukraine.

Members of The Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra, The Forest Flute Choir and Monmouth Concert Orchestra will gather at St Paul’s Church in Parkend this Sunday (March 13) to raise money for Save the Children’s Ukraine Appeal, which was launched following Russia’s invasion of the country last month.

Organiser Fiona Crawley says the concert will give local people a chance to show their support for families living in Ukraine in an “informal and relaxed” setting.

Each musician will pay £10 to play at the concert and observers and supporters are “very welcome” to attend and donate to the appeal.

The orchestra will perform a range of classical and popular music over the course of two hours from 2-4pm.

The organisers have also arranged for a Ukrainian folk singer to perform at the concert.

Fiona explained: “I would like to encourage as many people as possible to pop in, even just for half an hour.

“It will be a very informal and relaxed performance. Children are very welcome, as is anyone with extra needs.

“The point is that we gather together in solidarity for our friends suffering the outrage in Ukraine.

“Refreshments will be served by the church all afternoon so if people don’t want to sit through two hours of music, they can just pop up for a cuppa, a piece of cake and a chat or just a period of quiet reflection.”

UK charity Save the Children launched an emergency appeal to support children and families who are suffering because of the war in Ukraine, which began on February 24.

The charity is working to distribute essential supplies and winter kits of clothing and blankets as temperatures plummet, as well as cash vouchers to help with essentials like food, rent and medicine and providing access to mental health support and education.

They are also looking to address other needs across health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and shelter as part of the first phase of their response.

Fiona said that donations of cakes from the local community for the event will be much appreciated, with people encouraged to bring them along to the church on Sunday afternoon.

She also hopes to run a “huge” raffle on the day and would welcome prizes large or small, with many local businesses having already been generous in their donations.

Fiona is also looking to find “a truly magnanimous” business who would consider match funding what the group manages to raise next Sunday.

For more information about the event, contact Fiona on 01594 563079.

To support Save the Children’s Ukraine Appeal, go to www.savethechildren.org.uk/how-you-can-help/emergencies/ukraine-appeal.