WORLD-renowned Beatles tribute band The Bootleg Beatles took Swindon by storm at the weekend when they performed at a special charity show.

More than 1,300 people packed out the Oasis to see the band headline the Gig to Remember, which raised more than £15,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The event was organised by committed fundraiser Amanda Franks in honour of her mum, Cathy Davidson, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at just 58 and is now in a care home.

The Bootleg Beatles are recognised as the world’s best Beatles tribute band and have travelled the globe with their show. Over three decades the group has clocked up six Glastonbury performances, sell-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall and even a set at Buckingham Palace as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The group took to the stage at The Gig to Remember alongside X Factor stars Duke Beatbox and singer-songwriter Milly Winter.

The Bootlegs’ ‘John Lennon’, Adam Hastings, said: “Alzheimer’s is a devastating degenerative disease, having profound effects on both people with the disease and their whole families alike and we’ve been delighted to help Alzheimer’s Research UK, in our small way, to raise funds and public awareness for the cause.”

Amanda, who runs her own recruitment agency, decided to support Alzheimer’s Research UK after her mum’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s six years ago.

She said the event had been a huge success.

“It was a fantastic evening and a long-held dream come true as the audience sang along and danced in the aisles,” she said.

“The Bootleg Beatles were incredible as they performed one famous hit after another, supported by the fabulous Duke Beatbox and Milly Winter. It was wonderful to see so many people having fun, aged from eight to 80 and over, and all for such a great cause, to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

Information about Alzheimer’s Research UK is available at www.alzheimersresearchuk.org or by calling 0300 111 5555.