Musicians take to stage to tackle child poverty

In a heartfelt effort to address the pressing issue of child poverty, musicians from the North East are uniting for a concert reminiscent of the famous 'Live Aid' events. This exciting concert is being hosted by Frankie Francis, the lead singer of the indie band Frankie and the Heartstrings, and will take place at the Fire Station in Sunderland. The lineup includes well-known performers such as the Futureheads and Paul Smith from Maximo Park, and the event has already sold out, indicating a strong community interest in supporting this cause. The organizers, Sunderland Music City, have promised attendees a night filled with surprises, all while aiming to raise an impressive £50,000 for the local charity Love, Amelia. This charity is dedicated to providing direct assistance to families facing poverty and hardship in the Tyne and Wear and County Durham areas. Since its inception in 2019, Love, Amelia has distributed over 13,000 bundles of essential items to those in dire need, showcasing the significant impact they have made in the community. Andrew Dipper, a representative from Music Against Child Poverty LIVE, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, 'It's an incredibly exciting night for us. ' He highlighted the unique gathering of North East musicians, emphasizing that attendees will witness performances like never before, along with some unexpected surprises. Dipper also pointed out the alarming statistic that over a third of children in Sunderland are currently living in poverty, a situation that he finds shocking. He believes that this concert is a vital step in the fight against child poverty and is grateful for the many artists who have volunteered their time and talents for this important cause. The concert not only aims to raise funds but also to raise awareness about the challenges faced by many families in the region. People are encouraged to follow BBC Sunderland on various social media platforms for updates and to share their own stories and ideas regarding child poverty. This concert represents a powerful collaboration of music and community spirit, all in the name of helping those in need.