We are delighted to be able to announce that the following artists are very kindly coming to play and commemorate Simon after his funeral on 17th May.

** Bella Gaffney – from Bradford – has played at Saltaire several times as support. Simon was effectively mentoring Bella, and took her to Celtic connections in 2016 where she won a prestigious award. (http://www.bellagaffney.co.uk/) We are delighted that someone who Simon had helped develop their career will be performing.

** Jon Boden – those of you who were here for the first concert after Simon left us on 27th April will know how brilliant Jon was that night – and we are delighted that he is coming back to sing some solo numbers – what a top man he has been throughout all this – Simon first put him on over 10 years ago at Saltaire – in the pre-Bellowhead days!

** Salsa Celtica – one of Simon’s all time favourites. Some of the band are in Cuba, but their leader Toby is putting together a line-up that we know will raise the roof. Those of you who saw their amazing Christmas gig at Saltaire in 2016 will know what a treat we are in for…..

** And finally, but of course by no means least – it is absolutely brilliant that the full Dervish line-up is coming over from Sligo to say farewell to Simon. Simon not only put Dervish on many times at Saltaire, but he was their manager in the UK, and he has a full tour planned in September 2018 for this brilliant group of musicians, who are even nicer people. Cathy Jordan will also be singing a Celtic hymn during Simon’s funeral.

If you cannot get to URC Saltaire for the funeral at 1pm, then please join us at Victoria Hall from 4pm for the reception, and the concert will start at about 6.30pm. All Simon’s friends and people who loved the music he put on at Saltaire are very welcome to all of the day.

It would be very helpful if you could either indicate you are coming on here, or email to simon@saltairelive.co.uk. We don’t want to run out of food – and we definitely will not run out of beer and wine.

Love to you all, and let’s give Simon the send-off that he really deserves.

Rob and Emma