Musicians take to stage to tackle child poverty

The event is hosted by Frankie Francis from the Sunderland-based indie band Frankie and the Heartstrings

Musicians across the North East are coming together for a "Live Aid" style concert to combat child poverty.

Performers, including the Futureheads and Paul Smith of Maximo Park, are taking to the stage for a sell-out performance at the Fire Station in Sunderland.

Organiser Sunderland Music City has promised a "number of surprises" during the event, which aims to raise £50,000 for local charity Love, Amelia.

The charity gives direct support to families in poverty and hardship across Tyne and Wear and County Durham.

Since 2019, the charity has distributed over 13,000 bundles of essential items to those in need.

Andrew Dipper from Music Against Child Poverty LIVE said: "It's an incredibly exciting night for us.

"A who's who of north east music coming together as you've never seen them before, and there will be some great surprises."

He added: "Over a third of children in Sunderland are living in poverty, which is shocking, and we're trying to play our part in the fight against this.

"It's great that so many people have given their time for free."

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