Summer 2003 on the Cote d'Azur will be memorable for record temperatures, drought and incessant forest fires. Amongst those who lost their lives in the terrible fires that swept through the French Riviera, were three firemen. Two of them were volunteers. They leave behind three widows and seven children. The fire that took the lives of these firemen took place in the Maures hills behind Saint Tropez.

On Saturday 13th September 2003, two weeks after this tragic event, a benefit concert organised by the town of Cogolin and expatriate residents in the region took place to raise money for the families of the victims. Cogolin is nestlad between Saint Tropez and the Maures mountains where the three firemen lost their lives.

The event featured music by local bands and was headlined by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues who performed unplugged versions of his hits 'Nights In White Satin' and 'Forever Autumn.'

Many celebrities donated money to the event including Brigitte Bardot, Roger Moore, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, Carole Drinkwater and a major piano playing British music star who wished to remain anonymous.

The finale of the evening was a joint sing-a-long of The Beatles classic 'All You Need Is Love.' Two of the principle organisers, Paul Vernon (black hat) and Mary Vernon (to his right,) joined in the chorus.

Thousands of euro were raised from the celebrity donations and from the hundreds of locals who turned out to enjoy the event. British and other foreign expatriate residents were very well represented thanks to the support of local anglophone media including The Riviera Gazette, Angloinfo.com, Riviera Radio and Radio Caroline South.

Local bands that volunteered their services for the evening included Tunisian act Mezri (pictured left,) melodic rock duo Euro, Latin Jazz band Los Lodgeros, cabaret star Steffan Silas and blues rockers The Fred Davis Band (pictured below.)

Many of the fires that devastated much of the beautiful Riviera landscape this summer were started by pyromaniacs. French President Jacques Chirac pledged to track down these environmental terrorists and to implement the most severe sentences possible to those found guilty.

Record breaking temperatures and exceptional drought conditions, attributable to the global warming phenomenon, plus strong winds helped the flames spread like wildfire trapping and killing several tourists, firemen and destroying homes as well as thousands of acres of forests.

In addition to the music, Julie Reece and her pure bred stallion provided a lively dressage show. Julie and her horse were among those rescued from the fires by firemen and local residents.

Food and drink was also sold to raise further funds, including a tasty Paella, mega sausage rolls and a variety of sandwiches. Beer sold for the event was donated by the Dutch brewery Grolsch.

The evening's proceedings were presented in French by Gils and Maggi from the Toulon based radio station Radio Active.

English presentation and DJ music between the live bands was provided by Radio Caroline South DJ Mark Dezzani pictured right interviewing Justin Hayward after his set.