A CHARITY walkathon took place in Llandudno in aid of The Alarm frontman Mike Peters’ Love Hope Strength Foundation.

The event formed part of The Gathering, an annual Alarm event which saw hundreds of gig-goers from around the world descend on Venue Cymru on Friday and Saturday, January 30 and 31. 

The charity activities over the weekend raised more than £3000 in total.

The walkathon, which took place on Sunday, February 1, began at 11am and saw fans join Mike Peters and The Alarm choir for a mass singalong on Llandudno beach, in support of the recently launched campaign By Your Side.

Mike Peters said: “We’ve been running The Gathering for over 20 years now, since I was first diagnosed with cancer, and I love that people from across the world converge here in North Wales, my home.

“Lots of very different and wonderful people have been coming here since The Gathering started, and they’ve all played an important part in the success of the weekend.”

The By Your Side campaign was launched in November by Mike Peters and the Love Hope Strength Foundation as a way of raising money, highlighting the positive things happening within the NHS and encouraging a new generation to support the most vulnerable in their community.

Jules Peters, event organiser, said: "Gathering 23 has been a huge success and it brings me great happiness to see thousands of people flocking in to North Wales, at a traditionally quiet time of year.

"It's the chance for Mike and I to stay at home in our beloved North Wales and for the fans to reverse roles and pack their bags and go on tour.

"Llandudno positively bustles with activity over the Gathering weekend and it's great to see the hoteliers, restaurants etc enjoying packed houses. I'm already planning next year's weekend so watch this space."

A spokesperson for Venue Cymru said: ‘We were delighted to host The Gathering here at Venue Cymru again this year.

"As ever the event was incredibly well supported, with fans travelling to Llandudno from not just the North Wales area but from all over the world for a great weekend of music."

For more information about Mike Peters' Love Hope Strength Foundation, see the website: www.lovehopestrengthfoundation.co.uk