Fundraiser in honour of Thom Belk a 'huge success'

Thom, well known in Salisbury music and football scenes, died suddenly on Boxing Day aged 36.

A special fundraising event was held at Rude Giant on Brown Street on Saturday night (January 6).

A number of different bands and DJs entertained the crowd from 4pm, and all the money raised is being donated to a foundation set up in his name by his family.

The foundation will raise money for young people in Salisbury to help learn music, as well as helping with producing and performances.

Thom's sister Charlotte told the Journal:  “Firstly, thank you so much to each and every one of you who has donated. The support has been overwhelming but also a huge comfort as to the love everyone has for Thom.

“The tribute gig at the Rude Giant on Saturday was a huge success. Thom would have been so proud. So many people came that a queue had formed, they ran out of wrist bands and it was a ‘one in, one out’ event! Thom was have loved that!”

Salisbury Football Club also held a minute’s applause for Thom prior to kick off, and Charlotte thanked fans for their “expression of love for him”.

A minute's silence in honour of Thom Belk was held at the Ray Mac on Saturday. Picture by John Rose (Image: John Rose)

She added: “Thom had so many ideas and it is our mission to ensure those ideas become reality, so please continue to support.”

Another tribute night for Thom has already been organised.

Wilton Live 2 will take place on Saturday, January 27, at the Wilton Community Centre.

There will be two stages and the event will run from 3pm to 11pm.

Wilton Live was a concept put together by Thom and the team at Salisbury Live.

Billed as ‘Salisbury Live’s little Brother’, Wilton Live was a big success at its inaugural event in March 2023.

The amount of money raised during the evening had not yet been finalised at the time of going to print, but the online fundraiser set up by Thom’s sister Charlotte has reached more than £10,000.

One of the organisers, Colin Holt, said on the night: “There is a massive void left in our musical community now.

“Thom was a trailblazer really. He championed up and coming bands, local bands, anyone really. He was a great student and had a passion for everything.”

Click the picture at the top to view all the photographs from Saturday night. 

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.