A Facebook group set up to bring north-east residents music during the coronavirus pandemic is now entertaining people from all over the world.
Graham Buchan, who lives in Maud, started the group Lockdown Buddies to help keep adults in the north-east occupied as people spend weeks socially distancing.
Mr Buchan, who plays the keyboard and sings in three different bands, said these are challenging times for musicians who are currently unable to entertain the masses easily.
He said: “When lockdown started, that was weekends knackered and I thought how are we going to pass the time? People are bored and it seemed like a good idea to keep people entertained.”
The group now has almost 7,000 members from all over the world and singers nationally and internationally have expressed an interest in taking part in the weekend music sessions.
Between 400 and 500 people have been tuning in to watch the live musical acts every weekend.
Mr Buchan said: “It’s an open group and people have been inviting their friends to join. I never expected this to happen, it’s just snowballed from having a couple hundred people on it to start with to almost 7,000 people.”
On Saturday there was a fundraiser on the page where around £2,000 was raised to help the NHS. Those who manage the page are now having discussions about holding another.
Mr Buchan added: “Each admin is helping to keep the group running and members on the group also share videos and jokes throughout the day.
Lyn Taylor, who also helps to run the page said it has helped to keep her entertained during the lockdown.
She added: “The page is a good laugh and it’s really keeping me entertained.”
The group has a quiz and comedy night every Thursday hosted by north-east comedian Rab Mulheron who is also one of the groups administrators.
Click here to donate to the weekend’s fundraiser.
