World Cancer Day: Prog Rock Legend signs guitar for charity fundraiser

To coincide with World Cancer Day, the promoter behind Prog in the Park, announced that an acoustic guitar signed by prog rock legend Steve Hackett will be the star prize at the event’s auction.

Article Source: Prog in the Park
Last Updated: 5 February 2020 14:36

To coincide with World Cancer Day, the promoter behind Prog in the Park, the indoor Progressive Rock Festival, has announced that an acoustic guitar signed by progressive rock legend Steve Hackett will be the star prize at the event’s auction.

Steve Hackett was lead guitarist with Genesis as part of their classic line up with Gabriel, Collins, Banks and Rutherford, that produced acclaimed albums such as Selling England by the Pound (a favourite of John Lennon), he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his time with Genesis and has been a successful solo artist. Through a connection with former Abel Ganz and Pallas singer Alan Reed, Kevin has managed to get Steve to sign an acoustic guitar which will be the most sought after item in the raffle at Prog in the Park 2.0.

Inverkeithing resident and prog rock enthusiast, Kevin O’Neil, launched the first Prog in the Park festival last year as a way of thanking both the NHS and cancer charities for the support he received when recovering from a rare form of cancer malignant myopericytoma, being only one of fifteen people in the world to have had this cancer.

Last year’s inaugural event was held in April 2019 in aid of the cancer charities, Maggie’s Centre’s and Sarcoma UK. This year’s event, Prog in the Park 2.0 (PITP 2.0) is taking place from 11am to 11pm on Saturday 4th April 2020 at the Glen Pavilion, Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline with profits being donated to MacMillan Cancer Support.

This year seven bands are playing on ‘The Main Stage’ and another four or five acts will be playing on ‘The Glen Stage’ named after the venue’s Glen Suite. Progressive rock music will be played for 12 hours at this festival.

The festivals promoter and founder Kevin O’Neil said,

“Running Prog in the Park is my way of giving something back to those that helped me through my cancer journey. It’s important that if you suspect something is wrong that you see you doctor as soon as possible and get it checked out. The NHS has saved my life a couple of times and we are lucky to have such a great health service. We are also fortunate to have a number of charities which support not just people with cancer but also their families. Last year Prog in the Park raised funds for Maggies Centres and Sarcoma UK, this year we are focusing on MacMillan Cancer Support.

“I would like to thank not just prog legend Steve Hackett for signing this guitar but also Alan Reed, former singer with prog bands Abel Ganz and Pallas, for organising this and getting Steve to sign this guitar.”

Alan Reed, who will be appearing at Prog in the Park 2.0 with his band, Alan Reed and the Daughters of Expediency, added:

“I can't wait to be back in Dunfermline, 'gie'in it laldy' - as they say in Surrey. Great venue and great audience. Get your ticket now!”

Image: Alan Reed with the guitar signed by Steve Hackett, handing it over to Kevin O’Neil and his 6 year old son Nathan.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Flag raised to commemorate Armed Forces Day in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag today to mark Armed Forces Day which will be held on Saturday 28th June.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Busby pub celebrates triple award success

A Busby pub is one of six locals to have been selected from 2,400 around the UK to receive a prestigious Recognition Award from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Just Announced: Stars Set for the Stage at Eastwood Park Theatre

Eastwood Park Theatre has announced a whole host of brand-new shows featuring well-known faces.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches search for sports supporting superstars

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a search for local sports supporters in the community to recognise at its annual Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Veterans celebrate Health for Heroes Award at VE Day event

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans for afternoon tea at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding

Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.