SPICE Girl Melanie C joined a host of talented musicians and singers as a Chippenham-based charity celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Kandu Arts for Sustainable Development put on a grand celebration of live music at the grounds of Lacock Abbey on Sunday (September 2), and Melanie C, who has supported the charity for the last 19 years, sang three songs she released to raise money for Kandu.

11 bands and artists who have worked with Kandu over the years performed.

Speaking to the Gazette and Herald, Melanie C said: “It was 19 years ago when I first got involved with Kandu, and it was my first solo record, one of the songs had been inspired by homelessness, If That Were Me.

“It is just something growing up I became aware of at quite a young age and it just always really troubled me.

“I had known Ed for a couple of years at that point and knew about the incredible work he did with Kandu.

“I thought it was a really lovely opportunity to do something good with this song, and the royalties went to the charity to help various projects.

“It is incredible to be back. It has been nice because I have been able to get involved in quite diverse projects, and it has been lovely to see Kandu grow and do more work. There has been a lot achieved, and it has lasted so long because of the dedication of the people who work at the charity.

“Everyone involved is so passionate about it and that is what makes it so great. Hopefully we will be back in another ten to celebrate 30.”

Director of Kandu Arts Ed Deedigan was delighted Melanie C could attend their celebration of the hard work the charity has done over the years, raising awareness of issues such as homelessness and the refugee crisis, and was honoured to be asked to sing alongside her.

He said: “It was such a positive and inspiring occasion because there are lots of different people and groups we have worked with over the years.

“All the musicians were fantastic, and the local businesses and the people that supported it. Donna Lee from Kandu Arts who made everything possible deserves a special mention.”, it is a great sense of warmth and positivity.

“I was proud of all the musicians ons stage as they are all at various stages of their development.

“Melanie C has been a long term supporter so it was as much of a celebration of all the work we have done together, work which had profound effects on homelessness, domestic violence and the refugee crisis, so having her there was an honour.”

“We do deal with some dark situations, working with homelessness, people involved in the sex industry, mental health, all sorts of areas of society which sometimes don’t get the light shone on them enough.

“Part of our job is making films, music, giving people the tools to express themselves.

“I feel privileged to be a part of it and I hope other people are too.

“There are hundreds of individuals and organisations and businesses that have really contributed to make this happen.

Mr Deedigan also praised Harmony Asia who recently released her first EP through Kandu, and 16-year-old George Davies who has been with Kandu for a year and has his own lighting business.