More than 1,800 people packed The Mayflower last night for the All Star Tribute Evening in Aid of the James Shears and Alan Bannon Memorial Fund.

It was a near-capacity audience made up of family, friends and colleagues of the firefighters who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty as well as strangers from Southampton and beyond who wanted to pay tribute to the men.

The firefighters from Red Watch at St Mary’s Fire Station died in a blaze at Shirley Towers which started on April 6.

Both their widows – Charlotte Bannon and Carla Shears – were set to be at the show along with other family members.

Before the show Southampton comedian Mike Osman said: “We hope to provide a bit of light relief in a really terrible time for the families. It’s a show that makes people feel good for a couple of hours and hopefully it will let them get away from their pain for a little bit.”

Comedian Jim Davidson, who put the show together, opened the evening by saying: “You all know why we are here so give yourselves a clap for supporting this wonderful event.”

He added that the artists as well as The Mayflower had given their services for free, saying: “That’s why this is the best theatre in the country.”

There were some poignant moments including when Bobby Davro sung Hey Jude, which brought some audience members to tears.

There were also plenty of laughs courtesy of the likes of Jethro, Kev Orkian, Southampton lad Mike Osman and Davidson himself.

Entertainment was also provided by dance troupe The Jade Millington Performers.

Southampton footballing legend Laurie McMenemy also took to the stage bringing best wishes from everyone in the sporting world for the fire brigade “lads and lasses” for the work they do in this area.

Tickets were priced from £18.50 to £35 per person and although the amount of money raised for the memorial fund hasn’t been confirmed, Bobby Davro thanked the audience for raising so much money.