Comic John Bishop is to host what is being billed as a massive gig to raise money for tens of thousands of refugees, next weekend in Liverpool.
A|ready OMD, Space, The Farm, John Power and members of CAST, plus The Icicle Works and Sense of Sound have signed up for the short notice spectacular, to be co-presented by Janice Long, after being moved by the plight of thousands of refugee families fleeing from war. Organisers say further artists will be confirmed in the coming days for the show on September 19 at the Echo Arena. All proceeds raised will be donated to British Red Cross.
Called With Love From Liverpool, news of the one-off concert comes a week after Mayor Joe Anderson became the first UK city leader to actively offer to house refugees in the city. Today he said the response of ordinary people, as well as musicians and businesses, had been overwhelming.
John BishopHe added: "When it comes to reaching out and offering solidarity to the families whose homes have been ripped away from them, Liverpool is leading the way. Now, Liverpool is stepping up to the plate once more with the ‘With Love From Liverpool’ concert. We’re using our reputation for world-class music to now help save lives across the globe.”
Peter Hooton, lead singer of The Farm, said: “When we were approached to perform at the concert, we immediately said ‘yes’ – it was a no-brainer, no matter how short the notice was. We’ve all been moved by what is a humanitarian crisis and we’ve all got a role to play in supporting those in need. I just know Liverpool and its people will come out in force to support this concert – it’s what we do, it’s who we are.”
Rare gig by OMD. More big names areTBC, say orgamisersTina Robinson, senior community fundraiser for the British Red Cross in Merseyside, said: “The surge in awareness and support over the past week has been astounding, and I’m grateful that so many people have finally realised the extent of the grave situation. These people aren’t coming to Europe for a ‘better life’, but simply to stay alive. They are refugees, fleeing from war."
The charity's work includes giving food, water and medical aid to refugees arriving in the continent/
Ms Robinson added: "The work that we’re carrying out is varied and addresses a number of critical issues. In addition to providing on-the-spot immediate aid, we’re also guiding refugees through the asylum process, making sure that families stay together and that children don’t get separated from their parents during the chaotic journey across the continent.”
*With Love From Liverpool’ will be held on Saturday, 19th September at the ECHO Arena. Doors will open at6.30pm with the concert starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £25 (inclusive of £1.50 booking fee), and are available from www.echoarena.com or by calling 0844 8000 400 and will be available on 9th September, 2015 from 9am.
