Denny singer's garden gig raises over £5000 for food banks

Singer Liam McGrandles and wife Fiona held a front garden Facebook Live gig at their Denny home in support of two food banks. Picture: Michael Gillen.

Denny man Liam McGrandles took his guitar and mobile phone outside to film himself performing dozens of hits via Facebook Live in aid of the St Vincent De Paul Foodbank and Denny Community Support Group.

The 37-year-old decided to showcase his talent outdoors in front of delighted neighbours and social media users on Sunday after his wife, Fiona, made the suggestion due to the forecast for sunny weather.

What was supposed to be a two-hour performance in his Kilbirnie Terrace garden then turned into a four-and-a-half-hour set which has racked up 17,000 views online as fans, family and friends tuned in to show support, place requests and make donations to help those less fortunate.

Just last month, Liam raised more than £2000 for Strathcarron Hospice by broadcasting concerts live from his kitchen on Facebook.

After splitting the proceeds from his latest gig between his two local food banks, Liam said: “They’re really in need just now.

“We spoke to St Vincent’s De Paul and they were overwhelmed because they said the food banks are really struggling.

“The final total was £5095.50. We’ve had a few really generous donations from local people and people have dropped off food at the front door so it has been absolutely magic.

“We were delighted to help them; the food banks have said it’s going to go a long way.”

Although he has performed to packed audiences across the country, including large crowds at Celtic Park, Liam admitted he felt under pressure to perform on home turf.

He said: “It was probably the most nervous I have been before a gig because it was in front of the neighbours!

“I was talking into the camera but people were in their gardens watching and cheering — a special mention to Kilbirnie Terrace!

“Everybody was being very generous.

“We always try and do our bit for charity now and again but with the amount of people struggling it has hit home so we’re pushing it. Going forward, we probably will squeeze a charity do in.

“It has been a really good response from everybody so we can only thank them. It’s people’s generosity which has made it happen.”

Donations can still be made by visiting https://paypal.me/pools/c/8oAUlqJCJM.

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