Free music marathon set to take Southsea by storm this weekend '“ keeping on the charity work of much loved DJ Monkey P

A MUSIC marathon is set to take Southsea by storm this Saturday in aid of charity.
Paul KeelerPaul Keeler
Paul Keeler

Up to 50 DJs will blaze out music of all genres for the biggest ever '˜Southsea Old Guard' event to raise money for water poverty at The Wine Vaults in Albert Road.

Running from midday Saturday to 1am Sunday morning, punters will be treated to three sound systems with music ranging from ska to techno, funky beats, indie, world, dub, disco, drum '˜n' bass and lounge grooves.

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The event has been running for seven years with the initial concept seeing 12 DJs playing an hour set from noon to midnight '“ with a hour one set from organiser and manager Charlie Waddington.

A protected spring in UgandaA protected spring in Uganda
A protected spring in Uganda

One of those DJ's was Paul Keeler, known as DJ Monkey P, who died in 2015. The 44-year-old built his own sound systems and toured festivals and venues in the city raising cash for the charity he helped set up in 2010, No More Durty Water.

The charity builds wells, also known as protected springs, to provide clean drinking water in Uganda and India.

Saturday's showpiece event will raise money for his charity '“ with many businesses having clubbed together to offer prizes in the mega raffle.

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In total, 13 bars and restaurants have chipped in with prizes ranging from a three course meal for four people at Kadir's Indian Street Kitchen to £20 vouchers for Huis in Elm Grove.

Other prizes that have been donated include a free haircut and styling from Garbo's and prints from artist Darren Cleaver-Page.

No More Durty Water T-shirts will also be on sale, alongside vinyl from the collection of charity founder Paul, donated by his family, as well as a pop-up record shop from vinyl dealer '˜Old_Boy'.

All money raised will go towards building a protected spring in a remote African village desperate for access to clean water.

DJ's playing include Dave Clark, Big Jim and Tommy P.

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Organiser Charlie said: '˜I was so happy to see the difference we've made so decided to run a second event this year.

'˜It's never hard to get people to volunteer their time as it's such a fantastic day, add to that the opportunity to make some money for a really worthwhile cause and it was a no-brainer.

'˜It's a huge line-up this time and everyone is happy to do their bit especially after seeing the results that No More Durty Water deliver on the ground.'

George Spence, chairman of the trustees of No More Durty Water, said: '˜Our charity helps people who have no access to clean water in remote areas of Uganda, so every spring built makes a huge difference to hundreds of lives.

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'˜Without the work of fundraising events like this it would simply not be possible, so I'd like to thank Charlie, all the DJ's and business owners for their valuable time, effort and donations.'

The day is from noon to midnight in the Wine Vaults on Albert Road.