Major music fest for the homeless

The Boulevard on Wallgate will be staging its very own BrickFest which is packed with stars and raising money for a good cause in the process.

The three day line-up will, as the name implies, support crisis charity The Brick.

It is the brainchild of Boulevard owner Emma Jayne Black and local promoter Dave Kaaria and runs from May 27 to 29.

Emma said: “We became aware of the great work that The Brick does and wanted to help. We love the idea that it supports people in need right here in Wigan. There are a lot of charities and great causes to support but this one is right here where we live.

“It is a great line-up over the three days and we’re hoping for lots of support from local music fans. We would like to see this become an annual event.”

Top acts include The Ravellas, Midwich Cuckoos, Sacrament, Red Eyed Jedi and Bloodwork Salvation. Dave said: “There are a lot of fantastic bands in Wigan and the music scene is thriving. The idea of helping The Brick captured everyone’s imagination. There’s a real mix of styles over the the event and we’ve catered for every possible taste in music.”

The boys from Bloodwork Salvation were on hand this week to help officially launch the BrickFest. The masters of metal will be the main support act on the Saturday night.

“We think it’s a brilliant event and a great cause to support,” said guitarist Dave Harper. “It’s relevant to musicians and young people because the threat of homelessness can be a fact of life. It’s also going to be a great celebration of live music. We’d ask everyone to get down to The Boulevard and support it.”

The Brick works with people and families in crisis all over the borough. It delivers more than 150 food parcels a week. Workers and volunteers support people with issues such as homelessness, financial hardship and fuel poverty.

Operations services manager Louise Green said: “We’re thrilled to be part of such an exciting event. We appreciate all the support from the bands and the promoters. Demand for our food bank has increased recently. All the money raised by the festival will go to children and families who need it the most.”

The fun starts at 6pm each night at The Boulevard. The entry fee will be through a discretionary donation to The Brick. People can also donate items of tinned food, toiletries and clothing.