Councillors rock out at Wolves Mayor Rock Fest to honour Councillor Elias Mattu - with pictures
Councillors and rock fans alike gathered for a weekend of music at the Wolves Mayor Rock Fest to honour the late Councillor Elias Mattu.
It is the third year of the event which raises money for the Mayor's chosen charities and it will be held in his honour after the father-of-three sadly died in February, aged 59, from a long term illness.
His wife of thirty years, mayoress Asha Mattu, aged 54, was one of many music fans who went to enjoy the performances and honour him along with former mayor Councillor Ian Brookfield, who helped organise the event, with deputy mayor Councillor Philip Page and deputy mayoress Elaine Hadley-Howell.
Mrs Mattu said: "This is the first rock concert I have ever been to and I am loving it.
"It is an event that is fun and raises money for the charity while promoting the city. My husband loved this city and everything was about promoting it. The show must go on.
"He loved all types of music but his favourite was classical and I like a mix of music too.
"It has been very successful, it is getting bigger every year."
Rock Revolver, New Saints, Iconic Eye, are just some of the many bands who performed at Giffard Arms and Slade Rooms. There was also a raffle and an auction plus donations were welcome at the event.
In previous year, the event has raised up to £4,000 and this year the proceeds will go to Acorns, Sickle Cell Care, Interfaith, Alzheimer’s Society, Street Pastors and Central Youth Theatre.
Rockers Through the Ages Facebook group helped to organise the event.
Brett Hall, aged 30, said: "It is in it's third year now and it keeps getting bigger and bigger.
"It has gone from a one day to one day and an after show to two days and an after show event. The response is just incredible.
"An event like this for me is like Christmas. There are so many faces that you do not see throughout the year. To come in here and know the people and know the faces, it is great fun and is a great sense of community."
Doddy White, aged 57, said: "We were expecting 300 plus people attending and we are hoping to raise £3,000 to £4,000. In the last two years, we have raised upwards of £4,000. I would not be surprised if the tickets sold out.
"Rockers Through the Ages mainly does charity events. I will be setting the date today for next year. Thanks to everyone including Wolverhampton Council for helping to make it happen."