Charity concert back on after bomb scare

Organisers of the Grand Country Jamboree, in aid of the Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, were left devastated after police stopped the event halfway through forcing almost 300 people to be evacuated from the Vintage Bistro in the Ballybrakes Business Park. Police searched the venue on Thursday, October 7 after receiving a telephone call via the Samaritans saying that a bomb had been planted.

Local girl, Joanne Coyles, had planned the concert for weeks to coincide with the first anniversary of the death, through cancer, of her aunt, Jennifer Coyles at the age of 52. Jennifer’s daughter, Jane Coyles, had travelled from England especially for the event.

Following the incident organisers condemned those who brought sadness and disappointment to many and vowed to re-schedule the event. A facebook site was also inundated with messages of condemnation. One contributor described those who made the call as “sick” while another said there were “some evil people in the world.”

In an email to the Times, Alastair Coyles said: “I am delighted to announce the return of the Grand Country Jamboree in aid of the Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital to be held in Ballymoney High School on Thursday 4th November at 7.30pm.

“The night will feature Simon Peters aka Simon Donegan, multi award winning father and son duo Tommy and Ben Troy, Aidan Quinn,Carmel McCaughern, Bonnie Stewart, Kenneth Neely and myself. The backing band will be Steve Farlow and Gerard Dornan from Country Harmony and compared for the night will be Seamus J.”

Encouraging people to come along, Alastair added: “We have 34 raffle prizes and would love everyone to come along. Admission is 5 which is payable at door or tickets can be got by contacting myself on 07835068084. Those who have tickets from the previous show should bring them to this event and they will gain free admission. If you have paid at door at the last event make yourself known at the door to gain access to show.

“So far, almost 2000 has been raised and we would love to increase this and do what we intended to do earlier this month.”