Rock festival Con-Tribute raises money for blind Connor Mackay who was robbed by thieves in Ilfracombe

MORE THAN 30 musicians took part in an all-day rock festival in Ilfracombe last weekend to raise money for a blind man who lost most of his possessions to thieves.

More than 200 spectators turned out at seven venues across the town on Saturday, March 16 to support the Con-Tribute event in aid of blind musician Connor Mackay.

The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.
The event, named Con-Tribute, was held at various venues in Ilfracombe on Saturday. Photos: Kirsti Bettiss.

In February, the Journal reported how Connor, 39, was targeted three times by thieves in one week.

The thieves made away with Connor’s laptop which contained his art degree course work as well as his television, guitar amp, PS3 console, 500 DVDs and even one of his own paintings.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

The police said it was likely Connor was targeted because of his disability and described the offences as sickening.

On Saturday bands including Falling Apart, Pyslum, Badly Worn Toy and Chris Millington played at venues including the The Pier Tavern, Sandpiper Inn, Royal Brittania and Chill Bar to help raise the profile of what organisers called an anti-theft awareness message.

The event raised more than £960 to help Connor replace the items which were stolen.

A donation will also be made to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

The event concluded with an emotional performance by Connor himself at Buddys Live Lounge.

Connor said: “I was totally overwhelmed by the support I have received and seeing all the musicians and the town come together has really restored my faith in the community.

“I cannot thank all of you enough for everything you have done for me today.”

Organiser Peter Bradshaw said: “All the musicians worked incredibly hard on the day and played their hearts out.

“It showed what a strong community we have and it was great to bring everyone together for such a worthy cause.”