Social Bite hopes to raise £12 million to fight homelessness through extending the sleepout to a further three cities
A band struck by tragedy is set to lead the bill at an event which aims to bring an end to homelessness in Scotland.
Sleep in the Park will take place in Glasgow, alongside three other Scottish cities this year, as Social Bite aims to raise funds to help move people with housing issues off the streets.
And Frightened Rabbit, who appeared at the inaugural Sleep in the Park fundraiser in Edinburgh last year, will make their first appearance at the event at the Kelvingrove Bandstand since the sudden death of singer Scott Hutchinson.
James Graham, vocalist with The Twilight Sad, will be among among a number of special guests performing with band members Grant Hutchison, Billy Kennedy and Andy Monaghan.
Grant Hutchison, Scott’s brother, revealed that the group had signed up to take part in this year's event before his brother passed away and had decided to go ahead with the gig and perform in his honour.
Hutchison said: “It's an honour to play for such a special event again and we felt it would be the perfect time for us to play together again and share this special night with some of our favourite artists.
“We had agreed to play Sleep In The Park before Scott passed and we felt that since it was something for such a great cause that we should stick to our decision and honour Scott in the best way we know - to play the songs he wrote and continue spreading his message of kindness whilst supporting Social Bite and the amazing work they do.”
The line-up of acts who will be appearing in Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen has also been revealed. Legendary singer songwriter Lulu headlines Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens, The View’s Kyle Falconer appears in Dundee and Eddi Reader will headline Sleep in the Park in Aberdeen’s Duthie Park.
Last year saw 8,000 people come together in Edinburgh’s city centre on the coldest night of the year, with some of Scotland’s most respected sports people, religious leaders and political figures all enduring the freezing temperatures to raise a total of £4million for the cause.
Social Bite co-founder Josh Littlejohn said it is hoped that up to £12 million will be raised through the events, with 12,000 people set to take part.
He said: “I would like to thank all of the amazing music acts who are supporting the event, in particular Grant Hutchison and the other members of Frightened Rabbit, whose performance will be incredibly special and poignant.
“Sleep in the Park will bring thousands of people together to raise funds so homeless people around Scotland are housed and given the support they need to get back on their feet.
“By joining the movement, participants can take part in an incredible night, enjoy some of Scotland’s best bands and know that they’re doing something that will really make a difference.”
To find out more about taking part, visit the Sleep in the Park website.
