The orchestra raises money for charities through around three orchestral concerts per year, tending to mix in smaller local groups that cannot attract large funding, with larger, urgent causes (for example, recent catastrophes).
Charities we have supported include:
Charity news release: July 2025
Concert brings over £850 to Honeypot Children’s Charity, Supporting Young Carers with Vital Respite
At its most recent concert on 14 June 2025, the Solent Concert Orchestra struck a chord well beyond music, by helping to raise an impressive £851.81 in support of the Honeypot Children’s Charity. The funds will contribute to a much-needed respite break for young carers aged 5-12 who often shoulder significant responsibilities at home.
The donation is enough to cover a three-day, two-night residential break at Honeypot House for one young carer. It will also help provide nutritious meals and special treats for 22 young carers during their stays.
“It is the light at the end of the tunnel that keeps them going during difficult times” said Honeypot Community Engagement Manager, Viv Carter. “They bounce on trampolines, swing, skateboard, visit the beach, and simply laugh and relax. The support of The Solent Concert Orchestra gives these children a chance to have fun simply being children at our beautiful site in the New Forest and enjoy essential time away from challenging home responsibilities”
A recent survey by Honeypot revealed that 42% of over 1,000 Honeypot children cook or prepare meals at home, while 30% help others with eating or drinking. “Sitting down for meals that have been prepared for them whilst on a Honeypot break is real respite for these young carers who are between the ages of 5 to 12,” Viv adds.
The funds were raised thanks to the generosity of the audience and orchestra members who donated on the night. The Solent Concert Orchestra, known for its engaging performances and community spirit, typically helps raise money for three charitable causes each year. Past beneficiaries include Dentaid, the Society of St James, Wessex Cancer Trust, and several other local organisations such as Hamble Lifeboat, Minstead Trust, and Bramshaw Village Hall.
“Music brings people together,” said orchestra Chair Tim Leighton. “It’s a privilege to use that connection to support both grassroots community projects and urgent causes that need a helping hand.”
The orchestra’s next concert will take place on 15 November 2025 at Cornerstone Hythe United Reformed Church. Titled “Moonlight & Masquerades”, the programme will explore romantic and impressionist soundscapes from across Europe.
If you represent a local charity and are interested in collaborating at a future concert, the orchestra welcomes new partnerships and would love to hear from you.
For more information about Honeypot’s work, visit www.honeypot.org.uk. For more about the orchestra, visit www.solentconcertorchestra.org.uk.
Charities year by year
2025
Lyndhurst Community Centre: https://lyndhurstcomm.org
Honeypot children’s charity: www.honeypot.org.uk
New Forest Basics Bank: www.basicsbank.org.uk
2024
Minstead Trust: www.minsteadtrust.org.uk
Bramshaw Village Hall: https://hallbookingonline.com/bramshaw
Hamble Lifeboat: https://hamblelifeboat.co.uk
2023
Dentaid: www.dentaid.org
New Forest Trust: www.newforesttrust.org.uk
Wessex Cancer Trust: www.wessexcancer.org.uk
2022
The Milford-On-Sea Primary School Parent Friend Association (PFA) early reader project: www.mosps.hants.sch.uk/pfa
Youth and Families Matter: www.youthandfamiliesmatter.org.uk
DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal: www.dec.org.uk
2021
HASAG Asbestos Disease Support: https://hasag.co.uk
Bramshaw Village Hall trust (storm repair fund): https://hallbookingonline.com/bramshaw
2020
The Society of St James (Hampshire’s leading homelessness charity): https://ssj.org.uk