The band, organised the event to give back to their community and to honour those whose lives have been touched by tragedy. Their motivation was deeply inspired by several personal experiences, the passing of 13-year-old Caitlin Hogg in December 2022, friends in the motorbike community, as well as close connections with the Downpatrick community. The concert brought together a wealth of local musical talent, with performances from Uke Lecales, Take It Easy, Gerry Walsh & Folk This, Jim Strummer & Speedy Mullan, Ken & Carl Papenfus, Trist, Emberband, and Every March. The event not only raised vital funds for Air Ambulance NI but also celebrated Downpatrick’s thriving live music scene.
Air Ambulance NI is a local charity that works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. The service operates 365 days a year and can reach anywhere in the province in 25 minutes or less, bringing advanced medical care directly to the scene of serious incidents.
Dirty Little Secret shared their appreciation for the overwhelming community support, saying:
“We’ve been blown away by the generosity shown by everyone involved, from the musicians who shared the stage with us to the businesses and individuals who supported the event in so many ways. Our aim was to bring people together through live music while helping an incredible cause, and the response has been humbling. Downpatrick has such a strong community spirit, and this event showed that perfectly.”
The band also expressed sincere thanks to the local businesses whose generosity made the event possible, including BD Blinds Annacloy, Lough Rooms at the Artisan Cookhouse Strangford, McKeevers Chemist Ardglass & Jane Gowdy, Golf Driving Range Downpatrick, JJ Donnelly’s Menswear Downpatrick, Hanlons Downpatrick, Gibneys Offsales Downpatrick, McGreevy’s Butchers Downpatrick, and Denvir’s of Downpatrick, who hosted the concert. They also extended thanks to Leah Gaines Photography and John Magee Photography, who captured fantastic images of the night.
The band hopes the success of the concert will inspire similar community-led events in future, helping to keep live music thriving while supporting charities that make a real difference. On average, the medical team are called upon twice every day, whether that is as a result of a serious road traffic collision, farm or workplace accident, sport and leisure incident or a serious medical emergency.
Any patients or families who have been touched by the work of the Air Ambulance are welcome to visit the airbase and should get in touch with Air Ambulance NI by calling 028 9262 2677. As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £3 million each year to maintain and sustain this service so public donations are crucial.
