The annual Williams Weekender, in memory of former Hartdown teacher Luke Williams, will take place at Margate Winter Gardens this Saturday (August 11).
Acts lined up to entertain the guests are headline singer Lemar, The Voice finalist Lydia Lucy and Margate rapper Mic Righteous both return for another year, Socks & Sliders, Thanet’s Wisewood Dance, magician Clint Stevenson, singer Alola Rose and 14 year old rising star Mia Gedge.
Lemar, who was a finalist on Fame Academy back in 2002, has had seven top ten singles, including If There’s Any Justice and Time to Grow.
Having performed in a number of shows and in her school rock band, St George’s student Mia is now stepping out of those shadows as a solo artist.
Mia, who also attends Regency Performing Arts school, will sing Who Knew, by Pink, River Deep, Mountain High by Tina Turner, Firework, by Katie Perry and dedicated to Luke, and Chandelier by Sia.
The evening will be hosted by Lloyd Hollett.
Big thanks to @MicRighteous & his team for the continued support for our charity.
Always showing us nothing but love each & every year 💚 pic.twitter.com/kNY9xq2w97
— Luke's Legacy (@LukesLegacy_) August 21, 2017
Liam Morris, from Luke’s Legacy, said: “We are looking to put together a variety show feel to the Gala this year, with music, dance, magic and much more, hopefully making it more appealing to everyone.
Standard tickets are £25. VIP tickets are £35 and give access to a table closer to the stage, plus a meal during the show.
It is a seated event only and for those aged 16 and over.
For tickets email: [email protected]
The charity’s Dog Walk takes place the following day at noon. The meeting point will be the Margate Winter Gardens. £2 per walker.
There will be a gentle walk along the promenade to Luke’s bench and then a break for photos and refreshments. The it is back to the Margate Winter Gardens where there will be entertainment, fairground games, food, drink and fun for the whole family!
About Luke and the trust
Luke lost his battle with cancer in 2014. The former East Kent College football coach was diagnosed with cancer of the mouth on his 28th birthday in June 2013. It was hoped that the worst was behind him after he underwent major surgery and intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy but tragically Luke discovered he had secondary cancer in his lungs a year later.
He was immediately put onto another very intense chemotherapy treatment which made him extremely ill.
After consultation with his specialist it was agreed that Luke should be able to enjoy a certain quality of life rather than endure the pain and grief the treatment would inevitably cause him and his loved ones for what could be just an extra few months.
Sadly, Luke lost his battle to cancer on October 9, 2014 but he saw out his remaining months in his own unique style.
With help from his family and friends, Luke was able to create and fulfil an action packed Bucket List, which included marrying his one and only true love – Linda Birzniece in an emotional ceremony at Smiths Court Hotel, Cliftonville.
Luke also led a team of his closest friends and family on an inspirational charity drive that surpassed all expectations, raising over £26,000 for the Pilgrims Hospice and Cancer Research UK.
Luke’s Legacy, now The Luke Williams Charitable Trust, has continued the work with fundraising events ranging from 5-a-side matches to sponsored dog walks and the Williams Weekender.