THE Queen's Hall in Hexham will play host to a charity concert on Saturday.

Foverver The Beat of The Drum 2018 is the second fund-raising concert in aid of the Mark Jon Bolderson Percussion Foundation, which was set up in memory of Hexham's Mark Bolderson.

The percussionist and composer passed away last year, aged just 45. At the time, he was also the caretaker at the Queen's Hall, but had studied percussion and composition at Birmingham Conservatoire and was bandsman of the Royal Artillery.

The foundation that bears his name awards financial scholarships to promising percussion students across the North-East.

The concert will be hosted by star of BBC2's Hebburn, Steffen Peddie, and will feature the talents of young, local percussionists who have benefitted from the foundation's work. 

Mark's sister, Amanda, said: "This is will be our second annual fund-raising concert, hosted by our great friend, comedian, star of Hebburn and BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Steffen Peddie.

"For the first time we are able to showcase the talents of local young percussionist who are the first to benefit from the Mark Jon Bolderson Percussion Foundation.

"This year we held our first scholarship auditions and awarded 13 financial prizes which have allowed students to afford tuition and equipment.

"We delivered five free workshops led by The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, RSC percussionist Kevin Waterman, STOMP, Drum Educator Geoff Hutchinson and renowned percussionist Sacha Johnson.

"This concert is an opportunity to give the students performance experience and to help us raise funds to continue this support. 

"We hope as many people as possible will fill Queen's Hall and support our young musicians."

Tickets for the concert are on sale at the Queen's Hall Box Office on (01434) 652477.