A HOST of local stars will take to the stage in aid of fishermen in our area.
The Fishermen's Mission will be fishing for funds with a cabaret and dinner event on Saturday, November 3, at the Humber Royal Hotel, in Grimsby.
Leo Solomon, the well-known master of the ivories, will perform alongside swing singer Tony Jewitt – the charity's Port Missioner – and songstress Katie Cribb. The compere for the evening will be Doug Pickett.
Before the entertainment begins, there will be a three-course meal, starting at 7pm.
Mr Jewitt said: "The fishermen in this area need more and more help and we do this by providing them with emergency and welfare support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
"There are now about 30 active fishermen here and we need to raise as much money as possible from this event to help those who are still in work and those who are not."
Mr Jewitt, who will be performing songs from the 1950s and 1960s, has agreed to come out of retirement for this special occasion. The last time he performed in public was in 2008.
"In about 1985, I became semi-professional by singing at pubs, clubs and wedding receptions," he said.
"Then I moved back to Grimsby nine years ago and sang a variety of swing songs, such as Michael Buble, but when I began working for the Fishermen's Mission I gave up the singing. I am very nervous about the performance but hopefully I wont be rusty!"
Mr Jewitt will be performing with jazz pianist Leo, who was his maths teacher at Lindsey School from 1971 to 1976.
"It will be strange performing with my maths teacher," he said.
"He still doesn't look any different after all these years!
"So far, about 80 people area attending, and there are spaces left."
Singer Katie, 22, is also sure to get the audience up and dancing with her mix of new and old songs.
"My favourite singer has to be Leona Lewis – her voice is so different," she said.
"When I was little I began singing around the house and now I sing at weddings and other events.
"I'm naturally a shy person, but when I get up on stage I forget about all my worries, I go in my own little world.
"I'm really looking forward to the event. It will be a great night for a great cause."
Pooles music shop has donated the piano for the evening.
Tickets cost £25 and they can be purchased from Freeman Street Resource Centre, in Kent Street, Grimsby. Also visit www.fishermensmission.org.uk