Sainsbury’s was an alternative location for the Pukaar bands latest gig. Instead of playing at the usual parties, clubs and festivals, the opening of the newly refurbished store in Shirley combined Sainsbury’s and Pukaar’s love of helping the community.

Hundreds of customers lined outside of the store, which is now across the road from the old location, to see the Mayor of Southampton cut the opening ribbon promptly at 9am, and Pukaar band starting with a bang. As the crowds poured in, balancing a trolley, complimentary glass of Bucks Fizz and a Danish, the Pukaar Band gave them a warm welcome.

Store manager Simon Rowberry said “Sainsbury’s loves supporting projects in Southampton, and the Pukaar project is such a great cause. Everyone’s enjoying them as it’s a different to the kind of thing you usually get at an opening. They are so local to Shirley, it was the right thing to do.”

The regional operation managers also enjoyed the band, saying they were “Great, and had a lovely sound”. The band played instrumentals ranging from traditional movie songs to classics from Boney M. Young children loved the up-beat songs, which echoed through the whole store.

The star of the opening was AND magazine’s very own editor, Martin Perry. He had his debut with the Pukaar band, playing a fusion of eastern and western songs, with his talented guitar skills.

Chairman on Pukaar, Romail Gulzar said that he was “very grateful for the opportunity given to him by Shirley Sainsbury’s,” and he would “love to do it again.” Many customers had a great shopping experience while Pukaar band played, commenting on the “Nice sounds” and the “welcoming atmosphere”.