A DAY of live music has been announced as part of a fundraiser for the River Reeves Foundation.

Friars Live in the town centre will be playing host to the event on Saturday, July 22.

The River Reeves Foundation provides bursaries and grants for young people across Warrington to give them the financial help they need to build a future within the arts, theatre and music industry.

It was launched in the wake of the car crash in Sweden in February 2016 that claimed the life of the 19-year-old alongside his fellow Viola Beach band members Kris Leonard, Tomas Lowe, Jack Dakin and manager Craig Tarry.

Sophie Cade, one of the organisers, said: “The event follows on from a string of successful showcase nights at Friars Live, all of which started with a Viola Beach fundraiser back in September.

“We had it in mind to do an all-day event for some time and couldn’t think of a better excuse to raise funds for the River Reeves Foundation.

“The longer line-up has allowed for us to put on a really diverse set of bands including Manchester’s reggae-rock infused Jeramiah Ferrari.

“Foot stomping rhythm and blues can be expected from Carl North and The Lonely Hearts and later on you can catch another sound frontman and his band, Billy Bibby and The Wry Smiles.

“The incredible vocals of Warrington musician Rob Scotney gives the day a cool, acoustic-rock vibe.

“We’ve then thrown in The Luka State and Weekend Wars, both of which have played a Friars Live set previously and equally left us knowing full well they had to be a part of our fundraiser line up.”

Seb Caddick, Ben Hoyles and Sophie Cade relaunched Friars Live after the success of a one-off gig at the Barbauld Street venue in September that raised money for the Viola Beach Memorial Fund.

Sophie, a former Lymm High School pupil, knew singer Kris Leonard through The Lounge bar and knew drummer Jack Dakin as her mum Wendy worked with Jack’s mum Joanne at Bradshaw Primary School in Grappenhall.

She added: “The River Reeves Foundation is something all involved are incredibly proud to be working alongside.

“As promoters and musicians, the ability to raise funds to give young, creative people a chance at their art is something we should all be shouting about.

“It’s likely we will run a competition to get another Warrington band involved in the line-up – perhaps a fan-voted opportunity.

“With the launch of Warrington’s Capital of Culture bid for 2021, it is vital that young creatives are provided with a platform.”