Southsea resident, blogger and writer Abigail Mansell got in contact the other day with a review of the recent Jelly Jazz Night of The Dead Party at Southsea Castle. If you want to submit your reviews of local events, music, etc get in contact.

“The Jelly Jazz Night of The dead Party was not only sold-out – but it was a huge success. The fabulous party was the brainchild of uber talented local DJ Miss Funky Fox AKA Stephanie Jane. Not only does she DJ but she also works for Down Syndrome Education International as a psychologist and is also on the Lord Mayor’s Appeal committee who are raising money for Down Syndrome Education International and equally for Rock Challenge – both charities are for children and are based in Portsmouth. The night raised £1,200 from ticket sales, bucket collections and online t-shirt sales. Half of money has gone to Down Syndrome Education International and half to Rock Challenge.

Stephanie Jane/Miss Funky Fox said, “Three months ago the Lord Mayors Appeal committee were offered the hire of the castle free of charge for fundraising purposes and when I went there I could just imagine how good Jelly Jazz would be there ….so I went ahead and arranged it all! Organising it was a lot of fun and it all turned out great…just gutted my juggler was poorly though! My friends did the percussion and saxophone and did a fab job!”

“Turned out great” is an understatement, it was A-mazing the music was awesome, the venue looked terrific thanks to Lee Hodges for creating the visuals, the crowd were all lovely, everyone looked fantastic. Not only is Portsmouth’s very own Miss Funky Fox a DJ, a psychologist and on the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Team, but she also plays the saxophone and I met a bunch of people that evening from her Badminton Club.

The only downside to the evening was that it had to end so early. The atmosphere at Southsea Castle was incredible. It will be forever remembered in the hearts and minds of all who attended.”

Photos by Monk on Tour and Adam Parkes.