City rocks out in memory of Paris terrorist victim

Nova Twins said they were "proud" to be headlining the concert

Dozens of artists - including Nova Twins and Frank Turner - helped a city to rock out this weekend, but with a peaceful message at its heart.

Ten venues across Colchester played host to "A Peaceful Noise" on Saturday, raising funds in memory of Nick Alexander, an Essex music merchandise seller who was killed at the 2015 Bataclan terrorist attack in Paris.

"I think he'd be so thrilled," said his sister Zoe Alexander, founder of the Nick Alexander Music Trust [NAMT].

"The fact that we're keeping his name alive here in Colchester is absolutely brilliant."

Nick Alexander, who was the only British person killed in the attacks 10 years ago, spent 15 years working in the music industry

Nova Twins were the headline act for A Peaceful Noise

Nova Twins - comprised of bassist Georgia South and vocalist/guitarist Amy Love - said they were proud to be headlining.

"[NAMT] do such incredible work raising money to give to people who are underfunded and want to be in music, so it's going to such an amazing cause," said South.

"A Peaceful Noise - I feel like we're peaceful and we're noisy, so I think we fit the bill!" added Love, who hails from Thurrock.

Zoe Alexander said her brother Nick would have been "thrilled" with the concert

Previous versions of A Peaceful Noise concerts have taken place in London, but for the 10th anniversary of the Paris terror attacks, they have come to Nick's home city.

"Colchester's got an incredible music scene and a load of brilliant independent venues," Zoe told the BBC.

"Nick was part of that music scene as well; he was deeply embedded in it."

She added: "These are places that he absolutely loved and spent a lot of happy, happy times in, so to keep some of his spirit in there in this way is absolutely brilliant."

Colchester artist Bridget. said the concerts were for "a great cause"

The event also showcased several local artists, including Colchester singer Bridget., who said it was "an honour" to be asked to take part.

"It was an easy yes," said the 23-year-old.

"I think it's a great cause, you'd be silly to pass it up."

Venues which took part included the Colchester Arts Centre, Three Wise Monkeys, Coda and The Minories.

Organisers said hundreds of tickets were sold, with the artists giving their time free of charge, and all profits going to the trust.