Bob Harris (Old Grey Whistle Test and co-founder of Time Out Magazine) and Roger ‘Twiggy’ Day (BBC Radio Kent) are co-hosting Alan’s live country music event
which celebrates his 50 years in the music industry. Held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, the event is taking place at the Exchange Studio, Maidstone, on 30^th September.
 
It was in September 1966 that Alan Cackett first edited and produced both Country Record Exchange and Record Collector magazines. Since then Alan has been actively involved in music in various roles including magazine publishing/editor, freelance journalist, compiling CD tracklistings, writing liner notes, writing and compiling two encyclopaedias, concert and gig promoter, festival organiser/promoter, artist manager, radio presenter, tour organiser/agent and PR. For the first 30 years, it was strictly a part-time vocation as he held down a full-time position at the Kent Messenger, working in the production department. Since 1997 Alan has been involved on a full-time basis and is probably best known as the former editor of Maverick Magazine and for promoting live music in the Maidstone area, where he is based.
 
During his 50 years in the music industry Alan has built up a huge network of performers, fellow professionals and people who simply love to read his work, many of
whom will be attending this 50^th Anniversary charity event. Artists he has worked with throughout his career such as Gail Davies, The Haley Sisters, Brian Golbey, BJ Cole, Jonny Young, Ray Duffy, Rich Pickin’s Sarah Lucy Dole, Alan West, Steve Black & Adam Sweet, The Kevin Duffy Band and Porridge Country Band will be performing live at this celebration.
 
 
With 100% of the money raised going to Macmillan Cancer Support, it is hoped to raise hundreds of pounds. The money raised will help fund Macmillan Nurses who provide practical help at home for Cancer sufferers. Making this a charity event was an important decision for Alan.  He said: “I’ve chosen this charity for the help that they provided for my father and also for so many close friends no longer with us, most of whom I got to know through my passion for music.”
 
There will be a charity raffle on the night and it is requested that all guests make a donation of £10 for their special entry ticket. Those wishing to attend should in the first instance email alan@acackett.freeserve.co.uk to request being added to the guest list. If you’re not on the guest list, in all probability you will not be able to attend.
 
If those who are unable to attend want to support this charity event they can do so by either donating prizes for the raffle or by making monetary contributions. Donations should be made by September 28 either by cheque (made payable to A. Cackett) or by Paypal (payment to alan@acackett.freeserve.co.uk under payments to friends or relatives) or by going to http://www.justgiving.com/Alan-Cackett to make a donation.
 
The entertainment will start promptly at 7pm (doors 6.30pm) and finish just after 11pm. There will be a licensed bar until midnight.
 
For guest tickets contact Alan Cackett on e-mail alan@acackett.freeserve.co.uk
 
About Macmillan Cancer Support
When you have cancer, you don’t just worry about what will happen to your body, you worry about what will happen to your life. At Macmillan, we know how a Cancer diagnosis can affect everything and we’re here to support you through.
 
From help with money worries and advice about work, to someone who’ll listen if you just want to talk, we’ll be there. No one should face cancer alone. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit www.macmillan.org.uk