Lancaster man to host his final live music day for dementia research

A Lancaster music lover is set to run his final all-day gig to raise funds for dementia research.

Mark 'Simmo' Simpson has announced his '61st State' for Defying Dementia at The Bobbin on Saturday December 20 will be his last.

Mark has raised thousands since beginning the annual 'State' event in 2018 in honour of his mother, who had Alzheimer's disease.

Defying Dementia is a campaign founded at Lancaster University to support research into drugs and development relating to dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

"Due to my ongoing progressive health problems and with some degree of sadness I have decided that this will be my 61st and Final State," said Mark.

"I can't do it forever!

"I have to say it`s been an absolute pleasure doing the numerous fundraisers over many years and all the fantastic singers and bands who have so very kindly given their time to play for me and I think this is the seventh year I have done this for Defying Dementia.

"So let's end the year with a bang and raise loads for this fantastic cause so close to my heart and go for it one more time.

"Think it's going to be an emotional finale!"

The line-up of bands is:

1pm-1.30pm- Mark Coyle
1.45pm-2.15pm- Dara Woods
2.30pm-3pm-The Glass Poppies
3.20pm-3.50pm-Jamie Robert
4.10pm-4.40pm- The Charm
5pm-5.30pm- Rama Lama
5.50pm-6.20pm-The Mandrills
6.40pm-7.10pm- The Zoffs
7.30pm-8.00pm- The Manfredis
8.20pm-8.50pm- Life in Neon
9.10pm-9.40pm- The Limes
10.00pm-10.30pm-Morton Betts
10.50pm-Finish- Kiwi