Foodstock Festival: Stars ready to come out for unique Belfast concert
John Power and Paddy Raff are doing their bit to help people through the Cost of Living crisis
A unique concert will take place in Belfast this weekend to help people through the Cost of Living crisis over the winter period.
The Foodstock Festival is part of Sound of Belfast 2022 which has gigs and event right across the city during November.
On Saturday night at the Mandela Hall, Cast frontman and former member of Liverpool cult heroes The La's, John Power, will headline the show with a difference.
While tickets are free, patrons are asked to bring along non-perishable food and other items to stock the shelves of local foodbanks.
It's the brainchild of Foodstock's Paul Doherty and he explained why this type of gig has been organised.
"Many organisations and foodbanks are struggling to fill their shelves at the minute. There are so many people in real difficult and living in real hardship currently across our city. We want to show solidarity to those out there who are struggling," says Paul.
"It will be the case of where people are coming to the venue to see their favourite music act or comedian and they'll be carrying cans or soup or beans. But what it will do is raise awareness and make people think of the kind of hardship so many across our city are going through right now," he adds.
Local hero Paddy Raff will also be performing on the night, having organised his schedule to fit in a second show on the same day to do his bit.
For Paul, he feels there is no more welcoming community than that of music and arts in the city.
"I can think of no better community than the music community here in Belfast, who do come together and look out for one another. We need to tap into that spirit and help as many people across the city this Winter.
"John Power is an unbelievable musician and one of the greatest songwriter to come out of Liverpool - and we certainly know that some great songwriter have come out of that city!" Paul smiles.
"He's a great activist in his own city and it's great to have him over here to be part of our event.
Paul also paid tribute to Belfast's very own Paddy Raff.
"Paddy Raff is a local lad who has really stepped up to help us here and he understands what's going on. We're very grateful and he's playing two gigs in the one night and has made this happen.
"He's a local hero certainly for what he's done here.
The Foodstock Festival takes place in Belfast's Mandela Hall this Saturday November 19th from 5pm to 10.30pm.
Headlined by John Power, there are also appearances from comedian Paddy Raff, The Vals, Susie Blue, Boss Sound Manifesto and more.
You can find out all the details here https://www.soundofbelfast.com/events/foodstalk