Variety, the Children’s Charity, are hosting Variety Rocks; a live battle of the bands music competition taking place at the Ministry of Sound on Thursday 13 October 2022.
The event will see soul singer Heather Small headline a host of bands, made up of the charity’s corporate supporters, as they come together to perform on stage and battle it out for the prized ‘Best Band’ trophy to raise money for Variety’s vital work with children.
Small, who is an ambassador for Variety says: “I’m delighted to be performing at the first ever Variety Rocks event. The charity holds a special place in my heart so it’s a privilege to be a part of it. I can’t wait to see what the competing bands have got up their sleeves for the audience. It’s going to be a great night!”
Variety provides practical support, including wheelchairs, specialist equipment, adapted accessible transport in the form of their Sunshine Coaches, and memorable experiences to disabled and disadvantaged children and young people living in the UK.
Since they were founded in 1949 Variety has raised over £200 million and supported more than 800,000 children affected by ill health, disadvantage and disability across the UK. This brand new fundraising event, aims to raise money for the charity, as its supporters take part in an all-out battle of the bands music competition in an on-stage face-off.
The event will be hosted by Phats & Small’s Ben Ofoedu and will include a special performance by new recording artist, Raquel Reno, who has recently returned from Nashville, having written and recorded a debut album full of epic-sounding classic soul with a twist.’ Ticket holders can look forward to an auction to win a brand new Fiat 500 Hybrid and a raffle with exclusive prizes including Lola Rose jewellery.
The evening’s judging panel will consist of world-renowned drummer Vince Dunn; British businessman and owner of Great British Radio, Charlie Mullins; and Variety Trustee and former Chief Barker, Dilly Kitchlew-Williamson. The team will be tasked with deciding who gave the best performance of the night with the victorious band winning a full day’s recording session at the famous TileYard studio in London.
Trustee of the charity, Dilly Kitchlew-Williamson, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Londoners to enjoy an evening which will not only be buckets of fun but will raise money for our wonderful charity, changing the lives of some of the UK’s most disadvantaged children.”
Variety are providing free tickets to key workers and other charities including Tickets for Good and Tickets for Troops and the night will include performances from the charity’s corporate supporters Landsec, Brickworks, GL Hearn and Brinkworth Design Ltd.
The event is sponsored by Dreams, Accessible Retail and CBRE Investment Management. Ben Whittle, Non-Executive Director of Accessible Retail says “Accessible Retail has been supporting Variety’s great work for over 20 years and are delighted to join headline sponsor CBRE in launching this annual charity music event”.
Variety Rocks takes place at the Ministry of Sound on Thursday, 13th October 2022, from 6pm until midnight. Tickets are priced from £20 and available at https://www.variety.org.uk/event/variety-rocks/
