Belle & Sebastian to headline Glasgow gig for Save the Children

Indie pop band Belle & Sebastian are to headline a Glasgow gig next month which looks set to raise thousands for Save the Children.

The band, who performed at Glastonbury this year, will be joined by Simple Minds Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, Mogwai, Young Fathers and comedian Josie Long at the 3,000 capacity Clyde Auditorium gig on 2 November.

The star-studded event, which is being put on to raise funds for Save the Children’s child refugee crisis appeal came about after the band’s Stuart Murdoch contacted the charity to ask how the band could help after seeing the images of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian refugee whose body was found on a beach in Turkey.

If governments won't help them, then the people must. Rock on.

In a statement announcing the line-up, which may still be added to, the band said: “We wish to stand behind the displaced people of Syria in their brave attempt to find a better life in Europe.

“If governments won't help them, then the people must. Rock on.”

All the acts, promoters and the venue have offered their services for free meaning the money from tickets, priced from £22-45, will go to Save the Children's refugee appeal.

The charity currently has people working in to help child refugees in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Europe - including at Calais and Kent where a number of unaccompanied under 18s are arriving.

A bucket collection and text to donate number will be available on the night meaning the charity could be set to benefit from around £100,000.

Neil Mathers, Save the Children’s head of Scotland added: “From the moment that Stuart called us and said that Belle & Sebastian wanted to help, we knew it was going to be a fantastic gig, but we’re blown away by this line up.

“The ticket price will go straight to our child refugee crisis appeal, so we can help some of the most desperate families in the world flee war and start a better life for their children.

“A crisis like this truly demonstrates just how amazing people are and we’ve been overwhelmed by the compassion that Scots have shown. We’re so excited about this amazing gig, it’s going to be a fantastic night - get your tickets!”

The event is on general sale now, and Belle & Sebastian will also play a warm-up gig at The Alahambra Theatre, Dunfermline the night before on 1 November.

Tickets for both shows are available from gigsinscotland.com or 0844 999 990.