THE BRAND New Heavies lit up the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre at its first ever gig in the town.

Self-proclaimed acid jazz royalty, group members Simon Bartholomew, Andrew Levy and Angela Ricci took to the stage on August 10.

Their Bournemouth gig was opened by soul-singer, Omar. 

Omar (Image: Newsquest)

The concert was organised by Ferndown fan, Steven Heald, in memory of his mother who passed away from dementia.

Thelma Heald, Steven’s mother, enjoyed a 50-year career in stage music and performed in shows in the former Palace Court Theatre.

After attending The Brand-New Heavies concert in London, Steven was able to speak to the band and request they visit Bournemouth.

The Brand New Heavies (Image: Newsquest)

Within a few days the band had agreed to play in Bournemouth for the first time and to help raise money for Dementia Research UK.

Steven cared for and lived with his mother until the end and said: “I couldn’t save my mother, so I want to do something to help other people who’ve got dementia.”