Accountancy firm sponsors Carlisle rock band's tour of Ukraine
An accountancy firm is backing a Carlisle rock band band as they embark on a tour of the Czech Republic and Ukraine.
Armstrong Watson is sponsoring Hardwicke Circus, who are based in Carlisle, as they embark on the international tour, which will include a series of performances and community workshops across the war-torn country.
Paul Dickson, CEO and managing partner of Armstrong Watson, said: "We believe access to arts and culture can have a huge positive impact on communities.
(L to R) Stephen McCullough, Armstrong Watson partner; Jonny Foster, band leader of Carlisle-based Hardwicke Circus; and Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson CEO (Image: Armstrong Watson) "Supporting Hardwicke Circus on this extraordinary tour is not just about backing local talent, it's about amplifying voices that bring hope, resilience and unity through music.
"We are incredibly proud to help make this tour possible and to see a band from Carlisle take such a courageous and inspiring step on the international stage to raise funds for Mission Ukraine."
The 2,500-mile journey is set to begin in the Czech Republic on Sunday, June 8, the day after the band is scheduled to open the show at Carlisle Weekender at Brunton Park.
The band will tour alongside Ukrainian group OKAZIA, with whom they will play several dates in the Czech Republic before crossing into Ukraine.
Their route will take them from Lviv eastwards through Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Dnipro and Kharkiv, with plans to perform at a military base before concluding in Kyiv, and returning to the UK.
All proceeds from the Ukrainian shows will go to Mission Ukraine, a charity delivering aid to war-affected regions.
The band will also be runing youth music workshops.
Jonny Foster, lead vocalist and band leader of Hardwicke Circus, outside the Amstrong Watson office (Image: Armstrong Watson) Jonny Foster, lead vocalist and band leader of Hardwicke Circus, said: "Music has always been about more than just entertainment, it's about connection, courage and community.
"This tour is our way of standing with the people of Ukraine, sharing our songs and showing that Carlisle's voice can carry across borders in solidarity.
"We're honoured to be part of something bigger and we're grateful to Armstrong Watson for believing in the power of music to make a difference."
With the conflict ongoing, as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine fail to progress, the band is aware of the risks involved.
Tom Foster, the band's drummer, and Jonny's brother, said: "Danger is one side of it, but I think the importance and significance of what we're aiming to do outweighs the personal danger.
"We were presented with the opportunity, and we weren't going to say no."
The band's collaboration with OKAZIA facilitated connections with the Ukrainian concert venues.
According to a spokesperson for the band, this "underscores the unifying power of music in times of adversity and highlights the role of the arts in fostering cross-cultural solidarity and humanitarian support."
Hardwicke Circus, known for their energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics, are no strangers to pushing boundaries.
They previously completed a 15-date prison tour in 2021.
During this latest tour, they will be working on a new live album titled Songs of Freedom.
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