A 12-hour music marathon has celebrated the life of singer-songwriter, actor and television personality, Chris Hardman.
The event – called 'Checkin it Out' – took place on Sunday to remember the popular musician who was known as Lil' Chris.
Funds raised from the event, which was held at the Flying Dutchman pub, are going towards a charity being set up in Mr Hardman's honour – with a number of his personal friends taking to the stage to produce a fantastic array of live entertainment.
Bands including Storyteller, More Madness and Shuck Shuck performed both inside the pub and in the outdoor barn. The family friendly event also included a bouncy castle, barbecue, stalls and face painting.
Mr Hardman's sister Hannah said the event made her 'feel so proud' especially as many of the performers spoke to her about how her brother had inspired them to succeed.
She said: 'It is fantastic to see so many people coming to support not only Chris but a good cause.
'He would have loved this event, I am sure he would have been at the front, jumping up and down and having a laugh and here from the start until the end.
'My brother loved lots of things about Lowestoft but one of the main things he enjoyed was the music scene because it is not like this anywhere else,' she added.
'For such a small town there are so many talented people in it.'
Organiser Peter Redwood said they were 'inundated' with requests from bands and performers, who knew Mr Hardman, wanting to play inside the pub and also outside in the barn.
'I got to know him through a gig and he was just the loveliest lad. You couldn't have wished for a better bloke,' Mr Redwood said.
'He was just an absolutely superb guy – he touched my heart.
'When he died, I said to myself that I had to do something, I wanted to put a show on.'
Mr Redwood also described how Mr Hardman would often support his son's band when they played in Lowestoft and emphasised how he would have enjoyed the music marathon.
'If Chris was here, he would be first up on the stage dancing around and wanting to play all day,' he added.
Are you hosting a community event in Lowestoft? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk
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