More than a hundred people turned up at Jaks on Thursday night for the Isle of Man’s first ever Twestival which has so far raised £1577.62 for the charity Concern Worldwide. Donations on the night amounted to £788.62; Barclays Wealth will match this amount to make up the total.

The event was only one of about 200 that took place in cities around the world as part of Twestival Global 2010.  Almost $350,000 was raised on the right around the world, and funds are still coming in.

“The Isle of Man Twitterati turned up to support this important cause and we had a lot of fun in the meantime,” said Sherrilynne Starkie, Twestival Isle of Man committee member.  “The money we raised here will go directly to helping build a school in the third world.”

Twestival (or Twitter Festival) uses social media to bring people together offline to rally around the important cause of education by hosting local events to have fun and create awareness. All of the local events are organised 100% by volunteers and 100% of all ticket sales and donations go direct to Concern Worldwide’s education projects.

Twestival Isle of Man saw people paying a fiver for a chance to live out their rock star fantasies and sing with the band.  Party favourites Red! put on a fun karaoke sing along with more than 30 songs on offer.  Solo artist Chris Flood’s performance set the scene for a fun night of music.

Two members of the band, bass-player Paul Nicholson and drummer Ben Watterson are Barclay’s Wealth analysts, making Twestival eligible for the banks employee matched fundraising scheme.

Stuart Nelson, head of Corporate for Barclays Wealth in the Isle of Man said: “We are delighted to be able to match the money raised at the Isle of Man Twestival to double the fund raising effort.  As an employer, Barclays Wealth is committed to supporting and nurturing the charitable work of our team members and I am pleased to see more employees taking the opportunity to help both local and international charities.”

Twestival Local 2010 takes place in September and will support an Isle of Man charity.  Charities interested in taking part are invited to contact the Twestival committee.