There are only two days to go until Drumming and Strumming for Shanklin Theatre, a virtual benefit concert organised by teenagers from the Isle of Wight who are completing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Only Fools and Horses’ actor, John “Boycie” Challis, 1980s hitmakers, Doctor and the Medics and BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards winner Blair Dunlop are among the names lining up to take part.

  • It will premiere on Facebook and YouTube at 7pm on Thursday (April 22)
  • Scroll down for video

Performances during the evening will come from Isle of Wight musicians Black Daniels, Beth Brookfield, The Optimists, John Wroath, JC Grimshaw and Family, Company B UK, plus many more.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Actor John Challis is on the Drumming and Strumming line-up

Special appearances will be made by It Ain’t Half Hot Mum actor Melvyn Hayes, Pentangle singer Jacqui McShee (who played the 1969 and 1970 Isle of Wight Festivals), and BBC antiques expert, who you may recognise from Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, David Harper.

The event is being put together by Jake Curran, 15 and Tilly Grimshaw, 16, as they work to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The pair are members of Isle of Wight band The Solar Escape and will also be performing.

Shanklin Theatre is currently closed due to COVID-19 and is planning to reopen in the summer.

Isle of Wight County Press:

BBC tv's David Harper is on the Drumming and Strumming line up

BBC antiques expert David Harper, who is appearing at the theatre in September, said: "I’ll be on the Isle of Wight, I've never been before and I can’t wait! Make a donation to Shanklin Theatre!"

Only Fools and Horses star John Challis, who is appearing at the theatre later in the year, said: "Thank you all for your support, please donate!"

Vic Farrow, Shanklin Theatre Chairman said: "The theatre is important, for both the Island and the community locally, because we have a lot of local people who attend and a lot of local people who appear here.

"We have dance schools, the Island Savoyards and Spotlight. All those people bring interest to youngsters and it’s the young people who are going to be the future of this place. It’s not just for tourism, but for the locals as well."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Drumming and Strumming organisers Jake Curran and Tilly Grimshaw

Co-organiser Jake Curran said: "We can’t wait until Thursday when the virtual concert will premiere on YouTube and Facebook.“

Co-organiser Tilly Grimshaw said: "As you’ll see on Thursday night, there is truly something for everyone. Thanks to all the guests and performers who have helped bring it all together in time. They’ve done it all for the brilliant Shanklin Theatre."