THE Ropemakers in Bridport is hosting a day of music to raise money for the local food bank, Cupboard Love as part of “We Shall Overcome” a national weekend of gigs which will see more than 250 concerts across the UK, and beyond, helping their communities.

“We Shall Overcome’ is a community effort of events in the first weekend of October led by musicians and music promoters who want to do something practical to help people in their area hit hard by homelessness and poverty.

The Ropemaker gig is on Saturday October 3. The organisers hope this show of solidarity will also highlight the human cost to the politics of austerity.

Musicians are performing for free as audiences are encouraged to bring food for foodbanks or make donations to homelessness and other projects.

Keith Hatch, one of the organisers of the gig at The Ropemakers, said “We Shall Overcome is part of an anti-austerity movement but it is also very much pro-community.

“We wanted to do our bit here in Bridport to show solidarity and be part of something big that’s happening right across the country.

“Cupboard Love has been doing a brilliant job providing food parcels to those in need in the area, and unfortunately the numbers that need to make use of their services continues to grow.

“I thought it really important to get involved in We Shall Overcome and support our local food bank.”

Among the bands and musicians taking part in the gig are Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs, Skeg, William Harper, Gris de Lin, Son of Richard, Sharon Lazibryd and Charlie Bateman.

The Ropemakers event runs from 3 pm to late with admission free, but audiences are being asked to make a donation to Cupboard Love food bank.

Bridport’s Cupboard Love food bank is run by The Rev Andrew Evans and wife Chris and was set up in 2011, since which time they have reported ever increasing demand .

Donations are always welcome at Church House in South Street, Bridport.