Sunderland Music City is launching a brand new initiative to help fight child poverty in the region this winter.
According to a recent report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, more than a third of children in Sunderland are living in poverty, with some wards even experiencing twice this level. This percentage is up from 27% in 2015 and stands significantly higher than the national average of 29%.
In an effort to give children from disadvantaged wards in Sunderland a memorable Christmas, Sunderland Music City is launching a series of activities to raise money for a local charity.
A unique and impactful initiative, Music Against Child Poverty aims to combat the pressing issue of child poverty through the power of music, with all proceeds going to Sunderland charity Love, Amelia.
Love, Amelia is a children’s charity offering direct support to families experiencing poverty and hardship across Tyne and Wear and County Durham.
Since 2019, the organisation has distributed over 19,000 bundles of essential items to those in need.
Taking place on Sunday 8th December 2024, the campaign’s flagship event Music Against Child Poverty Live will see countless Sunderland music stars take the stage at The Fire Station to raise money for this crucial cause.
Modelled on Live Aid, the show will see numerous local musician favourites perform as Live Aid icons.
Acts already confirmed for the event include Field Music, The Futureheads, Paul Smith of Maximo Park, Liz Corney of The Cornshed Sisters, Frankie and The Heartstrings, Slug, Stockton Road Hit Squad, Nadedja, Chat, Young Musicians Project, and Ruth-Ann Boyle of trip-hop group Olive, whose single You’re Not Alone topped the UK Singles Chart in 1996. Former BBC Look North presenter Jeff Brown will also make a special appearance.
Tickets for Music Against Child Poverty Live are available at thefirestation.org.uk from 10am on Friday.
Aiming to raise awareness of the issue of child poverty through music, Music Against Child Poverty will also be launching a Christmas songwriting competition.
Open to all, the contest hopes to inspire hope and joy during the holiday season by creating a new Christmas song for Sunderland.
The winning songwriter will record their original composition at the Culture Quarter’s Birdland Studios and the song will be performed at the Music Against Child Poverty Live Christmas concert.
Music Against Child Poverty will be working in partnership with music education providers in the city to help young people put together their Christmas songs in a series of school-based workshops.
The goal of these workshops is to emphasise the educational and social value of music and boost awareness of community-centric initiatives and charities that can support local children.
There are a number of additional initiatives planned including an Instrument Amnesty to give a new home to unused or unneeded musical instruments, and a Give A Gift campaign so you can donate directly to the Love, Amelia charity
More details will be released in the coming weeks.
Michelle Daurat, Chief Executive of the Sunderland MAC Trust which delivers Sunderland Music City, said: “Music is such an important and enriching part of life, but the opportunity to enjoy the arts is often limited for children facing hardship.
“Too many children in our area don’t get to experience the joy that music can bring because they’re deprived of even the necessities that most of us take for granted.
“Our goal is to use the power of music to change that. It’s a complex problem that requires a multitude of solutions, but we want to do whatever we can to help alleviate that deprivation and give local children access to the amenities they deserve.
“And you never know; by making sure that children have access to instruments and musical education, we might just be giving a leg up to The Futureheads of tomorrow.”
Steph Capewell, Founder of Love, Amelia said: “As a charity, we see first hand the devastating impact that poverty can have on children and their families in our community.
“The Music Against Child Poverty initiative is a wonderful example of how the power of music can bring people together to create real change.
“Music not only provides a positive and creative outlet for children facing hardship, but it can also inspire confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging.
“We are incredibly grateful to Sunderland Music City for supporting Love, Amelia in our mission to help those in need.
“Every donation, every instrument, and every effort made through this campaign will go directly toward making life a little brighter for the children we serve.”
Speaking about Music Against Child Poverty Live, Music Officer Frankie Francis said: “It really is beyond special to have all these Sunderland music luminaries on the same bill, and it couldn’t be for a better cause. It’s going to be a great night, and something totally unique. You won’t see anything like this again!
“I can’t wait to see what these incredible artists pull out of the bag; audiences can be sure of an amazing evening and some big surprises. Now I just need them to stop fighting over who’s going to be Freddie Mercury.”
Donations can be made directly to the Music Against Child Poverty campaign via wonderful.org. Every penny will go to Love, Amelia.