Belfast comedian holding charity gig for cause close to his heart

A Belfast comedian has lined up some of the biggest names in the NI comedy scene for a special charity gig in aid of a cause close to his family.

Ciaran Franco is holding a one night charity comedy club in The Beehive Bar in West Belfast next month to raise vital funds for the Newington Day Centre.

Newington Day Centre is a charity organisation in the heart of North Belfast which looks after the elderly population in the community and aims to promote the independence, well-being, dignity and self-esteem of its members.

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With the day centre holding a special place in the hearts of Ciaran's family, the comedian knew he wanted to do his bit for the charity by hosting a fundraiser full of laughter and craic with his friends in the scene.

Shane Todd, William Thompson and Bronagh Diamon are only a handful of the names set to perform alongside Ciaran at the gig on Friday, July 19 - with a huge charity raffle also set to take place during the show.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Ciaran shared his excitement at being able to host an event that gives back to a charity doing such important work in the local area.

He said: "It's a place my family has been involved with for as long as I can remember - it's a great place and they do class work for people in the community.

"I used to volunteer when I was younger as well before I started comedy and I figured it would be a great way to do something for them now."

Ciaran helps run The Beehive Bar's new comedy club and thanked owner Phil Bannon for letting them use the room for free to hold the charity night.

"Phil has kindly let us use the room free of charge because they have been really behind hosting fundraising events for the likes of cancer charities.

"The fact they have given us a Friday night when they are so busy is so kind of them - they have gone out of their way to help me get this going," he continued.

Ciaran added: "Newington Day Centre has been somewhere close to myself and my family for as long as I remember so I just want to pay something back to them."

Margaret McCrudden, Manager of Newington Day Centre shared her gratitude for everyone involved ahead of the fundraiser.

She said: "Newington Day Centre is a voluntary organisation who exist to improve the lives of older people and support them to continue to live at home.

"We work closely with family carers providing a range of activities and social events to support them in their caring role.

"We depend heavily on donations and fundraising events to help us raise 200,000 each year to provide services.

"Young people like Ciaran highlight the importance of supporting our older generation by giving your time to raise vital funds.

"We thank Phillip Bannon and the staff at the Beehive for hosting this event. Our thanks to all the artists for giving their time to support Ciaran and all who have donated raffle prizes."

To find out more about the event and purchase tickets, see here

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