Leeds band Yard Act invite Ultimate Thunder to play Millennium Square

Ultimate Thunder gained support from across the country after funding grants came to an end

A rock band from Leeds who attracted support from across the industry when their funding ended have been invited to play a huge show in their home city.

Ultimate Thunder, who are predominantly made up of people with learning disabilities, raised £20,000 after more than 1,000 donations earlier this year.

Backers included Leeds group Yard Act, who have now asked them to perform at an upcoming gig in Millennium Square.

Kenneth Stainburn, Ultimate Thunder bassist, said he was "super excited".

The band discovered a series of grant bids were unsuccessful in February, leaving their future in serious doubt.

A crowdfunding campaign was set up aiming to help them carry on, with Tim Burgess from the Charlatans among those offering support.

James Smith, Yard Act singer, said the fundraising displayed the "power of community".

"It was clearly something that is dear to music lovers' hearts, because why wouldn't you want to see people thriving and doing something that they love?" he said.

"They needed that money and support to operate, and when that was taken away from them people saw the importance in making sure they got it from elsewhere."

Ultimate Thunder, who recently released their second album, were invited to play at the Kendal Calling music festival this year by Burgess.

James Smith, Yard Act singer, met Ultimate Thunder for the first time at their recent album launch at Leeds' Jumbo Records store

Discussing why the band were picked for the Leeds concert, Smith, who previously worked as a support worker, said: "It felt like a nice tie-in with my history and it's important to expose them to a wider audience who can see how great they are and understand the importance of the work them and their team are doing.

"But first and foremost it's because they're a great band."

Stainburn said: "I have never performed in front of crowds this big before, so I am a little nervous about it but as soon as you start doing your stuff everything changes.

"I hope what we do will make others realise it does not matter if you have a disability, if you believe you can do it then you can."

The 3 August concert at the outdoor venue, which holds about 6,000 people, will also see performances from Leeds band English Teacher and London group Fat Dog.