An impressive line-up of local bands from Oldham and Greater Manchester are set to stage a gig this summer to fundraise for a cancer charity that is close to their hearts.
In support of Young Lives vs Cancer, the UK's leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families, an assortment of local talent and up-and-coming musicians will be performing in Manchester this June to raise vital funds for the cause.
Promising a night of indie and rock, gig-goers can expect to see live performances from the bands From Carbon, BB.Green, Mercy Kelly, Green Wire and the headline act, The Haciendas.
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The show will be followed by a DJ set of indie disco from host, Dave Sweetmore, who is a familiar face in the Manchester music scene.
However, the night itself means even more to The Haciendas' frontman and organiser of the gig, Tom Smith.
The Failsworth singer decided to organise the big charity event, which he has called Harvey's Army, after his 16-year-old cousin was given a "heartbreaking" cancer diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
The diagnosis came as Harvey, from Middleton, had suffered a rash all over his body - from his feet all the way up to his arms.
Tom said his cousin has been "fighting like a true soldier" and is currently enduring chemotherapy treatment.
"Our first gig back is for a cause close to our hearts and all proceeds will go to Young Lives vs Cancer in support of Harvey who has been an absolute warrior these past few months and we want to celebrate with him for all his efforts and raise some money for the team and people who have helped him through it.
"We want to come together as Harvey's Army to unite by the power of music, to raise money for the charities that help young children and families just like Harvey's and most importantly to spread awareness for other families in the future to see the signs early of the condition.
"Harvey's parents, Jessica Cooke and Stuart Robertson, really wanted to raise as much awareness as possible to help families in the future to see the signs of the condition early.
"It's been such a difficult time for them as a family and the support they have received has been amazing, so I really wanted to bring the community together in the best way possible for our city - which is music.
"Harvey has shown immense strength over the past few months and I wanted to assemble his army to show him that we're all behind him, fighting with him."
The night will also see a massive raffle of prizes up for grabs which Tom said have been generously donated by some local businesses.
Prizes include a signed Manchester United shirt and a Manchester City family stadium tour.
He added: "It's going to be an amazing night.
"We want to see everyone down there, standing in solidarity for Harvey's Army.
"Let's get this sold out and put our two fingers up to cancer.
"See you down there for a drink and a proper party."
The gig itself will take place at the Manchester venue, Canvas, situated on Oxford Road on Friday, June 23, from 7pm until late.
Tickets to the event are just £5, all the proceeds of which will go towards Young Lives vs Cancer and can be purchased by clicking here.
If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.
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