DARLINGTON’S tight-knit music community is coming together to raise money for Ukraine next week with a charity gig, featuring local ska band, The Skapones.
A night filled with local artists, most of whom are just returning to regular gigging two years into the pandemic, while raising money for a worthy cause is happening on Thursday March 24 at The Forum Music Centre in Darlington.
It was Darlington resident, John Lightfoot, who had the idea for a fundraising gig after seeing the coverage of Ukraine on television.
Mr Lightfoot said: “Sitting watching the first days of the war in Ukraine I felt a mixture of horror, anger and helplessness. I wanted to do something, however small, to show that the suffering of the Ukrainian people has touched me and so many others and this gig/fundraising event gives people a chance to make their own small contribution to helping out in this humanitarian disaster.”
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Allison McKay from The Forum Music Centre said: “We jumped at the opportunity to do something that will help raise much needed funding for the people of Ukraine.
“100 per cent of all ticket and fundraising proceeds will be donated to the crisis therefore we really hope the people of Darlington come along to what will be a great evening of live music.”
The fundraising gig will feature two bands and two acoustic support acts to raise money for the crisis in Ukraine.
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Opening the event is local singer songwriter Phil Cox, followed by acoustic artist Oui Bee who has recently returned to gigging.
The main support comes from Teesside's indie band Nice Guy and the night will be headlined by Darlington’s own 2Tone ska band, The Skapones.
Lead singer Paul Wiliams said: “We are very thrilled to be asked to play this event. As a politically active band, and what is going on today in Ukraine, we can't help but feel empathy towards the Ukrainian people.”
All money raised will be donated to the Save The Children Ukraine appeal. Doors will open at 7pm, the gig is open to those over 14 and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are available directly from The Forum on 01325 363135 or on the door.
If you are unable to make the gig but would still like to support the cause, head to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gigforukraine
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