A Chichester concert has raised almost £800 in aid of Sanctuary in Chichester and Portsmouth’s Friends Without Borders, both of which provide support for asylum seekers and refugees.

At In Search of Sanctuary, held at St Paul’s Parish Centre on 2 June, performers used poetry readings, music and song to explore the refugee experience. The accomplished singers and pianists and a violinist, clarinettist, cellist, guitarist and fiddle player performed an eclectic range of pieces from classical and pop music, to folk and musical theatre, interspersed with poetry.

The event – which raised a grand total of £797.40 – was organised by soprano Rebecca Grove, with support from her father Chris Grove and friend, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Peat.

Rebecca Zeman, from Sanctuary in Chichester, said: “Saturday’s concert was a wonderful and moving occasion, with extraordinary performances from all those who took part.

“We would like to extend a huge thanks to Rebecca, in particular, for her hard work in organising the event, to all the performers, and to everyone who gave so generously. The money raised will be a huge help in supporting our work.”

• On 7 October, at 6pm, Rebecca and Stephanie – along with harpist Frances Kelly – will perform in another fundraiser for Sanctuary in Chichester at Holy Trinity Church, Bosham.