Music Against Child Poverty LIVE – Q&A with Andrew Dipper

As part of its initiative to give children from disadvantaged wards in Sunderland a memorable Christmas, Sunderland Music City is set to host ‘Music Against Child Poverty Live’. Taking place at The Fire Station on Saturday December 8, all proceeds will go to Sunderland-based charity Love, Amelia, which supports families in need. Here, Kate Hewison sits down with Andrew Dipper, The Fire Station and Sunderland Music City’s marketing director, to learn more about Music Against Child Poverty.

Tell us about Music Against Child Poverty? How did the idea come about?

More than a third of children in Sunderland are living in poverty, with some wards even experiencing nearly twice this level – that’s significantly higher than the national average. Children (and their parents) going without lunch, clothing, presents on Christmas Day is a hidden problem. It’s appalling and together we can do something about it. That’s why – alongside The Fire Station – Sunderland Music City are delivering Music Against Child Poverty.

What is the primary goal of Music Against Child Poverty and what do you hope it achieves for children and families in Sunderland?

We’re aiming to raise £50,000 for the amazing Love, Amelia and drive awareness of the shocking child poverty rates in our city. We also want to open up opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to learn music, see live music, and be inspired to become the next Paul Smith or Barry Hyde. This is a community project to benefit our local community and so far the response has been incredible.

All proceeds will go Sunderland charity, Love Amelia, why did you choose this particular charity?

We had previously met the brilliant Steph Capewell from Love, Amelia and know the amazing work they do in our city to support those families in need. The work they do to help families in Tyne and Wear and Durham is nothing short of incredible – we wanted to play a small part in helping.

The event features some incredible local talent – who can we expect to see on the night?

For one-night only we are bringing together The Futureheads, Paul Smith of Maximo Park, Ruth-Anne Boyle of Olive, Field Music, Frankie and the Heartstrings, local legend Jeff Brown, and many more as you’ve never experienced them before – performing as their Live Aid heroes to raise vital funds for families in our city.

It takes place at The Fire Station on Sunday 8th December and every single penny raised this winter will go to Love, Amelia and supporting those families impacted by poverty. The Fire Station has waived all fees for this event and all performers are donating their time for this incredible cause.

What has the response been like so far from the region and how important is local support to this campaign’s success?

Support generally for both this initiative and our wider Sunderland Music City campaign has blown us away. We have less than 40 tickets left for the show at The Fire Station and we’d love to see as many people from the wider region there as possible. It’s going to be a great night.

Finally, what are you personally most looking forward to at Music Against Child Poverty?

Off-stage? Seeing kids in Sunderland have a better Christmas. On-stage? It’s got to be The Futureheads performing as Queen!