Exmouth's Centre Stage, and other Devon singers will 'raise the roof' in support of past, present and future soldiers by attending the ABF80 concert.

It takes place at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday September 14 in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund. Among many other South West singers at the event, talented young singers from Centre Stage, the award-winning youth theatre company from Exmouth, will help raise the roof with a selection of tunes from popular shows such as Les Miserables and Pirates of Penzance.

Other acts include renowned guest soloist, Davina Hastings (soprano); internationally acclaimed harpist, Elizabeth-Jane Baldry, who is based in Devon; and concert pianist, Timothy Noon, who is currently director of music at Exeter Cathedral. 

This concert will raise vital funds for the Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s national charity, which for 80 years has supported soldiers, former soldiers and their families.

It will feature music from stage, screen and the classical repertoire, performed by the Exeter Symphony Orchestra (ESO), and conducted by Arturo Serna, professional cellist, teacher and Musical Director of the ESO.

Over 500 people from across Devon are expected to attend the concert, which is one of several activities marking the 80th anniversary of the Army Benevolent Fund. Since 2013, Exeter has hosted a bi-annual concert in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund, so far raising more than £55,000 to support soldiers, veterans and their families. The charity hopes that September’s concert will build on previous years’ success. 

Tickets are still available for the ABF80 Concert on September 14th, which will be compèred by popular broadcaster and former BBC Radio Devon presenter David Fitzgerald.

Prices range from £10 to £35 per person, and £65 for access to a VIP reception and reserved seating.

As well as talented musicians, concert-goers will hear from Army Benevolent Fund representatives and its ambassador, Alix Hale, who will share how the charity supported her family when her father died on active service.

Tilly Lambert-Lee, regional director – South West, Army Benevolent Fund, said: “We hope that as many Devon residents as possible will join us to celebrate the Army Benevolent Fund’s 80th anniversary at our ABF80 Concert at Exeter Cathedral. It promises to be a fantastic evening of musical entertainment in historic surroundings, thanks to our performers, speakers and the ESO. There is no better way to salute soldiers, veterans, and their families than by supporting this event, and helping ensure the Army Benevolent Fund continues to be there for soldiers, for life.” 

The Army Benevolent Fund supports soldiers, former soldiers, and their families through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, injury, getting back to work and elderly care. The charity supported over 75,000 people last year through its grants for individuals and funding for other charities, including organisations offering services locally, such as Alabaré, which helps homeless veterans in Wiltshire, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Devon and Dorset.

Alix Hale, Army Benevolent Fund ambassador, said: “80 years of service to our Army family is no mean feat. For 15 of those years, the Army Benevolent Fund has been cheering on my own family. It is an honour to celebrate the great work this charity does for soldiers, former soldiers and their families.”