Singer performs driveway gig to cheer people up during coronavirus lockdown

Neil Makinson belted out 80s classics from a makeshift stage outside his home in Appley Bridge recently as neighbours watched on from their front doors.

Music fanatic Neil has also become something of an online sensation, racking up more than 11,000 views on a Facebook Live video of the performance.

The 46-year-old said: "I did the performance on the driveway of my home on Saturday night.

"There were people stood outside their doors on the street watching it and obviously adhering to social distancing rules.

"I just wanted to cheer the street up as it's a difficult time for all of us. My next door neighbour's daughter is on a Covid-19 ward in hospital and the house across the road from me has a disabled girl.

"So I just wanted to take my own mind and other people's minds off what's going on."

Neil, who has performed in local bands in the past and performs occassionally in charity events, said he hadn't expected the reaction he received.

And he managed to make the performance a success despite various equipment breaking during the course of it.

He said: "To have all these people watching me on their doorstep and online was something I wasn't expecting and it's brought a tear to my eye.

"I had to end the gig a little early as my iPad broke as well as an amplifier which I've sent to a friend to fix.

"I used an old PA system with lights and a makeshift stage, so everything was quite old as it hadn't been used for a while but it was a success.

"Even if I've taken one person's mind away from dark thoughts in these tough times, it would be worth it."

He said he hoped to return again for another performance on Saturday.

He said: "I'm looking to maybe perform again on Saturday evening at 6pm but it all depends on if I can get this equipment sorted.

"It's something I enjoy doing and I my main is to put a smile on people's faces during these hard times."