AN international music and dance concert has raised over £1,000 for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

Olya Elliott, of Basingstoke Multicultural Forum, held a special concert at Queen Mary’s College, in Cliddesden Road, last Saturday, which raised £1,100 for the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Anne Court’s Charity Appeal.

The Mayor’s chosen charities of the year are Inspero, Basingstoke Multicultural Forum and the Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

The concert saw a wide variety of acts perform across different languages and music genres, including performances from saxophonist Dan Costin, violinist Victorya Balan and pianist Suzuko.

Other highlights included performances from Basingstoke Ladies Choir, Basingstoke Academy of Dancing and the Linguatastic language school.

In addition, those attending could enjoy food from different parts of the world including Asia, Russia, Hungary, Spain and Italy.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Anne Court, said: “This concert brings together the rich cultural diversity of the borough.

“It was indeed very entertaining to watch performances inspired from different parts of the world – a testament that music transcends all language and cultural barriers.”

Toju Ogbe, spokesman for BMF, added: “We are delighted by the large turnout and the amount of money generated for the Mayor’s three charities.

“The success of this event strengthens our resolve to continue using music and performing arts as platforms for social contact amongst the various communities we represent.”