Ukrainian HELP! Concert for War Child in Bristol: Who is playing, where is it - and how to get gig tickets

Some of the biggest and brightest names from the Bristolian music scene are to gather in the city for a one off fundraising gig.

What is the gig raising money for?

The star-studded gig has been organised by Friendly Records, Crosstown Concerts and War Child UK to raise money for those in Ukraine who are in need.

Proceeds raised prior to and during the six-hour special will go to War Child UK, helping them to continue their work supporting refugees and children affected by war and conflict around the world.

Donations will help the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, and match funding from the UK government will also go to Yemen where millions of children are still in desperate need of protection from conflict.

When is the gig?

The fundraising gig in aid of Ukraine is set to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 2 May. The venue for the gig will be the O2 Academy Bristol, located on Frogmore Street.

Who is set to perform?

The acts who are playing the one-off benefit gig have been announced, and Bristolian music fans will not be disappointed.

The gig will feature an extraordinary bill of uniquely Bristolian artists - both up and coming and globally renowned - coming together to celebrate the music of the city and to raise much needed funds for Ukraine.

IDLES, Portishead, Billy Nomates, Katy J Pearson, Heavy Lungs and Wilderman complete the line-up of the event.

Can I get tickets?

The organisers of the event have made 1200 tickets available, and these will only be available through a £10 prize draw.

The £10 prize draw will see 600 pairs of lucky ticket holders attend the event. Everyone entering the prize draw will have access to a high quality online live stream of the whole event.

Every £10 donated will receive three separate entries into the prize draw, alternatively, anyone can enter the draw for free. All ticket details can be found through Ticketmaster 

The prize draw can be entered either by donating online or for free by sending a postcard with the entrant’s name, address and contact details clearly written in black or blue ink to WAR CHILD BRISTOL, Studio 320, Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, London NW5 1TL.

The prize draw is open now and closes at midnight on Sunday 24 April. Winners will be chosen at random on Monday 25 April.

There will be additional opportunities to donate further to the charity, and exclusive merchandise for the event will also be available.

Artwork for the show and merchandise has been created by 3D (Robert Del Naja) of Massive Attack.

What have the acts said about playing the fundraising concert?

IDLES will be playing at the concert in what will be their only hometown show of 2022.

Lead singer Joe Talbot: “We have been kindly invited to play this show for the benefit of War Child. Please donate or sign up to this charity. We believe that nobody should endure war, especially children. Thank you.”

Portishead, unarguably one of the city’s most revered and inspirational groups, will be playing their first live show since 2015 and their only show of 2022 at the concert.

Portishead, who are Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons & Adrian Utley, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support the people of Ukraine by performing a few songs at this event in collaboration with the amazing War Child charity.”

Heavy Lung Ukrainian lead vocalist Danny Nedelko said: “Hailing originally from Odessa, this  is a cause very close to my heart. It’s incredibly special being a part of this show. We are going to bring our absolute best.”

Further acts including Willie J Healey, Wilderman and DJ Boca 45 will be performing across both of the venue’s performance spaces, and more acts are promised to be announced in the coming weeks.

What has War Child said about the concert?

Rich Clarke, Head of War Child Records comments: “War Child is hugely grateful to the artist community for coming together to create this amazing night of live music at O2 Academy Bristol.

“So many people have donated their time and energy to bring this show together and help War Child stand up for the rights of children affected by war in areas like Ukraine.”