A CONCERT is set to be staged in Portland aims to build bridges between residents and those who were being held on the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge.

Let Music Unite aims to ‘bring positivity’ to Chesil Beach on Saturday, September 16, organisers said.

Running from noon until 7pm, the event is being staged by the Portland Global Friendship Group as part of the Portland Fringe Festival.

Heather, a member of Portland Global Friendship Group, said: “As a local resident I wanted to create a positive event for the community on our beautiful island.

“It’s been an incredibly divided community recently, which as a local resident has been difficult to observe.

“This event is about bringing some positivity back to the island and bringing people together.”

A variety of musicians and DJs from the area are set to perform, along with artists who were previously refugees.

Among those playing on the day are Kurdish singer Mustafa Mamu, the unique Romanian Gypsy band Ochi de Mort, and Ricky Romain.

Ricky Romain is also on the bill. Picture: Robert Golden

Ricky said: “It’s so simple to understand the title of this event – ‘Let Music Unite’ – when we watch how people are moved by music regardless of age or ethnicity.

“The arts at their best, are the home we can all live together in without prejudice.”

Portland Town Councillor, Giovanna Lewis, said: “It’s wonderful to see people in our community leading the way in promoting unity, co-operation, and respect for all with this music festival.

“I hope it goes a long way to creating the kind of cohesive and positive community that we all need both in Portland and everywhere, as we all face many local and global challenges ahead.”

Let Music Unite is free to attend at Chesil Beach on Saturday, September 16, from noon to 7pm.