A NORTH EAST charity has celebrated a boost in funds after patron Jools Holland’s Newcastle performances.
Music v Cancer, a charity that raises funds to buy equipment to aid with early detection of bowl cancer and to raise vital awareness, collected £679 at Jools Holland’s Newcastle City Hall concerts earlier this month.
The money was raised through bucket collections bringing the total amount raised by the charity to £175,000 since it’s first event in October 2010.
Tony Larkin, Founder of Music v Cancer, said: “It was brilliant to receive such generous donations from Newcastle concert goers and we really would like to thank everyone, including Jools and his team, for showing their support.
“We have also been invited to a number of gigs at the Metro Arena to sell raffle tickets for signed guitars from artists such as Ed Sheeran, The Stereophonics and Jessie J. It all goes towards a fantastic cause that is catching cancer early for the people of the North East.”
The charity, which puts on twice yearly music weekenders in the region and has hosted the likes of Jack Savoretti, The Magic Numbers, Turin Brakes, The Blow Monkeys, David McAlmont and Nizopli, is calling for sponsors to support its next weekender in April.
Sponsor packages range from £250 to £1,000 and include VIP seating for up to 20 people.
“We really appreciate all of the support we have had from local businesses who have come back time and time again. However it would be nice to see some new sponsors too and so anyone who has been touched by cancer, or even who just likes music, these nights are absolutely legendary and have been a sell-out since day one so we would love to welcome you into the MvC family.”
The next MvC Weekend is April 8th & 9th and will take place at The Grand Hotel, Hartlepool.
The legendary Black was recently announced as headliner for the Friday night along with Anna Pancaldi and the Saturday event will be headlined by Bite The Buffalo with support from Alex Cornish with further announcements for both nights to follow.
Tony added: “We’re really beginning to attract to names to blessed with great artists who come and play at our Weekenders thanks to our supporters in the music industry.
“In the last year we’ve also had support from Ed Sheeran, Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and Paolo Nutini, who have all signed merchandise for us to raise funds with.”
To get involved and sponsor April’s weekender contact: tony@musicvcancer.com . Tickets go on sale in mid February and can be purchased at the venue The Grand Hotel, Hartlepool on 01429 266345.