Saturday the 19th September at the Echo Arena in Liverpool
With Love from Liverpool, a massive fundraising concert hosted by award-winning British comic, John Bishop, is to be held at Echo Arena on Saturday 19 September, 2015.
Leaders, musicians and businesses alike from across the city have rallied together to host this one-off concert in an urgent bid to support the desperate plight of thousands of refugee families fleeing from war. All profits will be donated to British Red Cross.
The incredible line-up includes The Farm, OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark), John Power, Mic Lowry, The Christians and members of CAST, Space, The Icicle Works and Sense of Sound. Further artists are to be confirmed in the coming days.
John Bishop, the much-loved Liverpool comedian, will be hosting the concert alongside legendary BBC Radio 2 broadcaster, Janice Long.
Janice Long said:
“I’ve been blown away by my hometown’s reaction to this crisis. People across Liverpool have shown that they really care in hundreds of different ways, and they’ve come together to do what they can to ease this terrible situation. It’s great to see the music industry coming out in force to do what they do best; put on a great show and raise as much money as we can. It’s great to see so many brilliant bands adding their names to what is an incredible line-up of talent.
“I can’t wait to stand on the stage, looking out at an arena full of generous people who really care about what is going in the world and who will have a great time raising money for this important cause. We need as many people as possible to buy tickets – I know it’s going to be a night to remember!”
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.”
Liverpool set the example for the rest of the country just last week when Mayor Joe Anderson made national news by becoming the first UK Mayor to actively offer to house refugees in the city.
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said:
“Liverpool’s response to last week’s horrifying revelations surrounding the ongoing refugee crisis has been nothing short of overwhelming. 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.”
All proceeds from the ‘With Love From Liverpool’ concert will be made to British Red Cross, who are carrying out crucial work across the continent. Their activities include giving food, water and medical aid to refugees arriving in the continent and ensuring that families stay together throughout the long and gruelling journey. They are also working with search and rescue teams in Italy, saving families from drowning during the perilous crossing.
Tina Robinson, senior community fundraiser for 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 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.”
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult
Line up subject to change
To find out more visit the website.