Somerset violinist, 17, plays around Europe for Unicef

A teenage violinist is performing a concert tour of hotels in Europe to raise money for Unicef.

Anthony Knight, 17, from Minehead, has played the violin since he was young and wants to raise £20,000.

He has now played in one of the oldest hotels in Venice and at the famous BBC Maida Vale studios.

Anthony told BBC Radio Somerset: "I decided to help raise money for [children in] disasters and warzones whilst I was entertaining people."

Unicef is the United Nations' children's charity and supports children in conflict across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Anthony said: "I started off doing these recitals in churches and was trying to bring music to people after lockdown.

"I just want to help people."

Anthony plans to visit 12 countries in the next year with hotel lobbies in Vienna, Riga and Budapest on the list.

The afternoon recitals feature pieces by Telemann and Bach.

"It's brilliant watching people's expressions when I rock up in the hotel lobby," he said.

"Guests stopped chatting in the hotels when I started playing and they were so generous.

"A few weeks ago, I played in one of the oldest hotels in Venice and I could see the iconic canals whilst I was playing.

"If I can help raise money for Unicef by playing my violin and giving people a bit of music entertainment, then I hope I can make a difference."

Anthony has already reached half of his £20,000 fundraising target.

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