MORE than 22 bands took to the stage for a special music festival in memory of Widnes Landlord Christian Thornton.

Tiggerfest 2019 took place in a packed hall at St Basils Social Club in Widnes on Saturday. It started at 1.30pm and bands were still playing at midnight.

It was organised by Jenny Colquitt and partner Simon Farrell in honour of Mr Thornton, who was known to his friends as Tigger.

Proceeds will be used to support the family of Mr Thornton, who sustained serious stab wounds following an incident near the Hammer and Pincers pub in Liverpool Road on the afternoon of Sunday, August 11.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, Mr Thornton, aged 49, died at the scene.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up by friend Mike O'Connor, to help support Mr Thornton's wife Pam and their children.

Tiggerfest organiser Jenny Colquitt told Runcorn & Widnes World: "TiggerFest was organised in memory of our dear friend Christian Thornton who was sadly taken from us in August in a cruel way.

"Christian had such an impact on the community and his death shook many different areas of our lives including the music scene in Widnes.

"In honour of all he did for us we decided to organise an all day music event in order to raise money for his family and to show them support in these hard times.

"The event had great success and a substantial amount of money was raised due to a massive community effort.

"Thanks to all the supported the event."

The event raised more than £2,000.

Jenny continued: "Huge thanks to the organisers, crew, St Basils Social club for food and drink, the fans and also the many singers and bands.

"The message from everyone was to keep the issue on knife crime on the agenda and to reduce this increasing epidemic of Knife crime."

Lee Abbott, aged 35, of no fixed abode, Widnes, was arrested and charged with Mr Thornton's murder and possession of an offensive weapon following the fatal stabbing.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter during an appearance at Liverpool Crown Court in August.

A trial date has been set for February 10 next year.