MORE than 300 people flocked to Whitchurch Silk Mill to enjoy an evening of live music that delivered welcome donations to a fundraising campaign.

Around 330 people of all ages attended the summer picnic event – enjoying an evening of music, food and drink alongside the River Test.

Guests at the free event were treated to a range of musical performances, including sets from Whitchurch-based folk band, The Grizzly Folk, and the Andover Museum Loft Singers as well as activities including a raffle and mill wheel roulette.

In addition to picnics that many guests brought, a Pimm’s tent, traditional ales, ice creams and cream teas were also available to purchase on the evening.

The event raised £300 for the Friends of Whitchurch Silk Mill, who are looking to generate £2million to revitalise the tourist attraction by remodelling the inside and repairing and enhancing machinery at the mill.

A bid called Preserving the Fabric will be made in August to apply for £1.7million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

However, in order to apply for the grant, the group of trustees need to show that they can raise a percentage of the money requested, which is around £20,000.

Sue Tapliss, manager of Whitchurch Silk Mill, told The Gazette: “It was a beautiful evening so lots of people came with their picnics and their dogs.

“It was nice for the mill to be part of the community and some visitors had a full day in Whitchurch as the Whitchurch fete was held during the day, so people went to that and then came to us.”