Heli Jazz raises nearly £4,000 for Cornwall Air Ambulance

Hundreds of people attended the first ever Heli Jazz Festival at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery at the beginning of August, raising thousands of pounds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance New Heli Appeal.

The festival, organised by Richard and Lesley Bower of The Lostwithiel Jazz Café, featured performances from The Fabulous Dino Baptiste Trio and The Annika Skoogh Quintet on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 August respectively, followed by a free Jazz/ Blues jam on Sunday 11 August led by The Simon Latarche Trio.

From a combination of raffle ticket sales, donations from generous supporters at the event and from ticket sales, the three days raised £3,941 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Barbara Sharples, Trustee of Cornwall Air Ambulance and Chair of the New Heli Appeal, said: “The monies raised by the wonderful Heli Jazz event will make such a difference to our campaign to bring a next generation helicopter to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by April 2020. After each event that new helicopter feels a little closer. Thank you so much.”

The Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter made a special appearance at the event, flying over the Nursery grounds on the Sunday, delighting all those who were in attendance.

Richard Bower said: “Thanks to everybody who bought tickets, braved the weather with a smile, volunteered help over the weekend, played at the Jazz/Blues Jam, the artists who travelled from far and wide to be with us, FLEET for the marquees and help, the Cornish Rivera Box Office for their generous help and sponsorship, Handmade Media for great graphics, Iteracy for the constant IT provision, and of course the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery and their staff for letting it happen and working so hard.”

Karl Taylor, General Manager of the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, said: “Having worked with The Lostwithiel Jazz Café for some years now, it was a delight to again host this annual weekend of music, fun and food at the nursery. This year was bigger than ever and of course in support of the wonderful Cornwall Air Ambulance New Heli Appeal who it was also a joy to work with. An incredible weekend for all and a wonderful donation as a result!”