THE cheery traditions of apres ski are coming to Corbridge in the name of charity and a good day out.

Fitness instructor Louise Parker has booked the parish hall day and night on Saturday, February 13, to run two events: one a pop-up market boasting a plethora of food and drinks stalls, the other a gig sure to lift the rafters.

She said: “I booked the hall for the live music event, but then thought I might as well book it for the whole day and do a market as well – ask me on the night if it was a good idea to do two events in one go!”

She has called the pop-up market, which will run from 10am till 2pm, Tyne for a Drink .

It will boast a plethora of wine, cider, locally produced gin and ale and a range of both sweet and savoury food.

And that evening it will be Tyne for an Apres Ski Drink , led by the high energy band Dust Town Dogs, whose name comes from the red dust from the steel works that used to settle over their home town of Consett.

One of their tag lines is ‘Consett brought us the steel, now the Dust Town Dogs are bringing the rock! And the ska and the punk and a bit of jazz and some country and some disco’.

Louise said: “I first saw these guys at Gateshead Beer Festival a few years back and I’ve seen them at many an event since – they are brilliant!

“It’s impossible for you to stay still in their company.

“In fact I would practise your country dancing now as I always end up linking some random person’s arm and swinging my way round the room.”

The Dust Town Dogs will be supported on the night by Newcastle singer-songwriter-guitarist Sam Wright.

Louise said: “I started this business last year, the plan being to do occasional pop-up events like markets and live music nights.

“I myself am a trader, selling Mansacks, the quirky hessian gift sacks for men.

“I know the name is a little risqué, but 10 per cent of profits go to Orchid Male Cancer Charity and the sacks contain a leaflet encouraging men to check themselves regularly.”

There will also be a raffle to raise funds for local cause, the Tynedale Rugby Football Club Flood Appeal.

If all goes well, she hopes to turn the event into an annual fixture that will support local businesses and charities by turn.

Louise explained: “Since launching the event on Facebook, I have been contacted by more than 20 local traders, which is a great start.

“I would like to encourage people to visit Corbridge and make a day of it: park up, visit the market and all of the local shops, too, as we know how important shopping local is.

“I have tried hard not to have any stalls selling duplicate items, unless they are very different versions of the product, and to avoid clashes with local businesses.”

The Tyne for an Apres Ski Drink music evening will begin at 6pm and the tickets, which will be limited in number, are either available on the door or, more assuredly, online at www.facebook.com/itstyneforadrink