A Helston resident and well-known advocator for local music has spoken to Nub News on the crisis that many local musicians are facing during the pandemic.

Kay Harvey, the creator of the Heart Beats Music Festival, says that local musicians are struggling with little income since all venues are currently closed.

Through the power of new technologies and social media, local musicians have been able to perform online from the comfort of their homes - but income is harder to come by.

Kay Harvey told us: "Live music is hugely affected and many of my friends are full-time musicians so are gaining no income.

"Some of them are doing virtual gigs and have a PayPal account so you can tip if you want too."

A few local artists hosting virtual gigs:

• Liam Jordan
• Helm De Vagus
• Boundless Brothers
• The John Lennon tribute band.

• ZALICK

Kay believes that residents can continue to support musicians from their home too, she said:

"Join online virtual gigs. Share the videos. Live music needs to be kept alive."

Kay has suffered from a severe heart condition that has left her very vulnerable to the virus, once being an avid visitor to Helston's gigs, she has had to isolate since the pandemic started.

"Certainly my friends and I can't wait to get back out to the gigs even if it means wearing masks. I think solo and duos could be back playing during the next few months," she told Nub News.

"Please people abide by the rules so we can get rid of this virus and get normality back asap. Love, peace and rock and roll."

Kay Harvey's Heart Beats Music Festival is taking place in 2021 and raises money for BHF and the cardiac unit at Treliske Hospital.