In the early hours of Tuesday 17th September, Aukestra’s home in Birtley, North East England, sustained fire and smoke damage following an arson incident. The band’s base and music studio holds all their instruments and equipment – precious tools for their work award winning work. At this stage the extent of the damage is unknown pending a full assessment, however the band currently doesn’t have any useable instruments or rehearsal space.

Aukestra provides a safe, friendly & supportive environment for young adults with autism & learning disabilities to go beyond inclusion to produce music of outstanding quality and international acclaim. The band’s mission to create honest music by real people without drama, divisions or discrimination is a powerful message of positivity which they spread wherever they go. Aukestra is regularly recognised for their exceptional work. In 2018 they won the Autism Professionals’ Award for the Most Creative Community Project. The band have toured internationally and regularly gig at local events.

The 15 band members and Aukestra team are utterly devastated. Their place of safety and refugee from an often cruel world has been destroyed. This is particularly distressing for the autistic and learning disabled members for whom change of routine is often already distressing.

We want to help Aukestra bounce back and continue their work as well as showing them our support at this difficult time. Whilst the building and equipment undergo insurance assessments, we want to raise funds to ensure that this crucial enterprise can continue in the interim with as little stress as possible on their members. Please get in touch with Aukestra if you are able to offer any practical support such as rehearsal space, temporary instrument or equipment hire.

Lead vocalist Chris summed up Aukestra in a BBC interview last year: “We show confidence and we also have a strong heart. A strong heart to encourage people to live up to their dreams…We’re a family, a family that cares for you, looks after you and protects you whenever you get hurt.”

Let’s get behind these folk and show them that they have a strong hearted community backing them.

Website: www.aukestra.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aukestra/

Twitter: @Aukestra1