Gamu joins line-up at Scribbers Picnic
Published 16 Jun 2011 08:00
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FORMER X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu will be performing at the Scribblers Picnic this Sunday.
The music festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary and there's a packed programme lined up to mark the occasion.
Tillicoultry singer Gamu was a contestant in last year's X factor but was controversially dumped before the live shows by judge Cheryl Cole.
Since then, the 18-year-old and the rest of her family have been involved in a long-running legal wrangle over their right to remain in Scotland.
Originally from Zimbabwe, her mother initially had her application for renewal of her visa rejected by the Home Office.
After various court hearings - and a campaign by local people supporting the family's bid to stay in Scotland - they eventually won the right to stay in April this year.
However, within a week, the Home Office appealed that decision, and the family is now awaiting the outcome of that appeal.
In the meantime, Gamu is taking the opportunity to thank the fans who have supported her through both the talent show and her ongoing emigration drama by playing at the charity based event.
She will join a fantastic array of over 100 musicians who not only play the Stirling-based charity festival for free but actually pay the £6 ticket fee for the privilege.
Gamu will be in good company at the event with major talent like Benny Gallagher (formerly of Gallagher and Lyle) and Clackmannanshire-based acts The Rising (a Bruce Springsteen tribute band) and Johnny Lee Memphis (Absolute Elvis).
Also featuring at the festival are the Heart of Scotland Choir and Stageworx performing arts company.
The Scribblers Picnic is an annual event held at Stirling Rugby Club which, over the past decade, has raised over £100,000 for charities such as the Children's Hospice Association, Maggie's Centre Glasgow, MacMillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Strathcarron Hospice.
Ted Christopher, the Scribblers Picnic chairman, said, "This event is all about raising money for cancer charities.
"The bands all play for free, in fact, they actually pay to get in. Everybody turns up, does their bit for charity and has fun at the same time."
Ted added, "We got involved with Gamu as she has been working with Jamie, the guitar teacher in my shop (Roadshow Music).
"They have been working together on some new demo tracks for Gamu's management.
"She saw this as an opportunity to thank everyone who had supported her."
Organisers are expecting 3000-4000 people to attend the music festival which has grown considerably over the last decade.
The Scribblers Picnic, at Stirling Rugby Club, opens on Sunday at noon and is a day for all the family with six stages of live music.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 15 Jun 11
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