A CAVERSHAM coffee shop is to host an open mic night in honour of a teenager who died from a brain tumour.
Alto Lounge on Church Street is holding the event to raise funds for Team Charlie, launched in memory of Charlie Ilsley from Emmer Green, who was just 13 when he died.
The event will be hosted by Andy Chaplin and feature musicians including first-time live performers. There will also be a 30-minute karaoke slot at 10pm to finish off the night.
Customers can also take advantage of a Tapas Tuesday deal with a free 175ml house wine or glass of prosecco when buying a tapas board.
The fundraising initiative has been launched by Alto Lounge’s team as a way of connecting with the community by working with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses.
Each month it chooses a local charity to support through events held at its venue, from bake sales and charity raffles to quizzes and personal challenges.
Over the past few months, it has raised more than £1,000 for Forget Me Not Reading Rescues, Alzheimer’s Society UK and Bowel Cancer UK.
Louise Wisniewski, community liaison at Alto Lounge, said: “We are super excited to have Team Charlie as our charity for May – many people remember Charlie and it is such a worthy cause created in his memory.
“The response we’ve received since we started the initiative only a short while ago has been extremely positive and it’s great that so many people are getting behind us to support it.
“It is rapidly growing in momentum and we’re seeing more and more customers, old and new, come along to not only help raise much-needed funds for local causes but also have a good time themselves.”
Toni Ilsley, Charlie’s mother and trustee of Team Charlie said: “I’m really touched that Alto reached out to say they wanted to help us.
“It’s such a brilliant initiative, not just in terms of fundraising but it’s also a great opportunity for the community at large to get together and have some fun. It lifts everyone’s spirits.”
The open mic night will take place on Tuesday, May 30 from 7.30pm, and entry is free.
Anyone who would like to perform can book a slot by messaging Alto Lounge on Instagram: @altoloungecaversham
