THE sister of a Hexham percussionist, who died last year, has described the success of a concert in his memory as “bittersweet.”

Amanda Bolderson’s brother Mark died in August 2017 at the age of 45, following a short illness.

Mark was caretaker at the Queen’s Hall at the time of his death, and in the past had studied percussion and composition at Birmingham Conservatoire, and been a Bandsman of the Royal Artillery.

Following his death, Amanda set up the Mark Jon Bolderson Percussion Foundation, now run by her and seven trusteees.

THe foundation awards financial scholarships and helps with the costs of tuition and equipment for promising percussion students in the North-East.

On Saturday, the Queen’s Hall played host to a concert called Forever the Beat of the Drum in aid of the foundation.

It’s the second time a concert has taken place, with all ticket sales going to the foundation.

Amanda said: “The concert was really good. We don’t know the final ticket sales yet, but every ticket sold we get the full amount from the Queen’s Hall, and we sold over 100 tickets.

“Through the foundation, we’ve engaged with 54 youngsters over the last year and in July, we handed out our first financial scholarships to thirteen students.”

Forever The Beat of the Drum was hosted by comedian and BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Steffen Peddie, who is a personal friend of the family.

In addition, the concert showcased the talents of musicians who have benefitted from the foundation’s support for the first time.