FERMANAGH musicians came together virtually this Christmas in a Jools Holland’s Hootenanny-style online concert, raising more than £1,000 for a local cancer charity in the process.

Hosted by Dublin-based Fermanagh musician Stephen Brennan, the Christmas Livestream Concert in aid of Cancer Connect NI took place on Tuesday, December 22 at 8pm via Facebook.

The event saw live performances from Stephen himself, along with appearances from other talented Fermanagh musicians including Laytha (Niamh Carney and Philana Nolan), Chris Armstrong and Richard Ireson.

Clare, Shauna and Clodagh McMorrow were joined by Luke Burns and Francis McNally for a traditional session, while members of Enniskillen Light Operatic brought a taste of musical theatre to the concert with a selection of songs from hit shows.

The livestream also featured a special Christmas baking segment, where baker Kirsty Monaghan gave a demonstration on a delicious alternative to mince pies.

In a post to his Facebook page following the Christmas Livestream Concert, Stephen said: “I’d like to thank everyone who shared, liked and told friends about our fundraiser.

“I’d also like to thank our musicians, performers and baker, without them it would not have been possible. An additional shout-out to Nessa for providing tech support, and wine, on the night.

“There were people who really wanted to take part in this but, due to 2020 being 2020, could not participate; I’d like to thank them for getting behind the idea and volunteering to help – even though it didn’t work out this time, your enthusiasm, and willingness to put up with me spamming our Facebook messenger chat, helped push this over the line,” he added.

The virtual event is still viewable via Stephen’s Facebook page, @StephenBrennanMusic, and donations can be made via the GoFundMe page at https://tinyurl.com/y7vwj2uv.