Artwork for the show and merchandise created by 3D ( Robert Del Naja) of Massive Attack

Concert for War Child raises over 145k to support children in Ukraine

On Monday 2nd May IDLES, Portishead and many more played a one-off Ukrainian HELP! Concert for War Child at O2 Academy Bristol which has raised a staggering £145,320 to support children and their families in Ukraine.

Friendly Records, Crosstown Concerts and War Child UK joined forces to bring this huge fundraising concert for Ukraine to Bristol with the 1200 exclusive tickets having been made available through an exclusive prize draw.

The Help! concert featured an extraordinary bill of uniquely Bristolian artists - both up and coming and globally renowned – who came together to celebrate the music of the city and raise much needed funds for War Child.  

IDLES were joined on the night by Portishead, unarguably one of the city’s most revered and inspirational groups. This one-off Help! show was their first live performance since 2015. Also performing on the night were Billy Nomates, Katy J Pearson and Heavy Lungs.  Further acts included the likes of Willie J Healey, Wilderman and DJ Boca 45 making it a stellar night that filled the room with energy. 

Proceeds raised prior to and during the six-hour special went directly to War Child UK, helping them to continue their work supporting refugees and children affected by war and conflict around the world. The staggering amount raised will help the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, and match funding from the UK government will also go to Yemen where millions of children are still in desperate need of protection from conflict.

Promoters Conal Dodds of Crosstown Concerts and Tom Friend of Friendly Records said: We are delighted to have raised such a great sum and want to thank all the artists, staff and the venue for their assistance in making this event such a success. We know the funds will be put to the very best use by War Child, we will continue to support their efforts” 

Rich Clarke, Head of War Child Records said: “We’re all blown away at War Child by the amount raised at the HELP benefit show. So many incredible people worked so hard to create this amazing show so we wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who made it possible, the artists and the whole Bristol music community for creating this moment at O2 Academy Bristol. The funds raised will support War Child to deliver life-changing support to keep children safe, help them to heal and learn for the chance of a better future. The impact of the situation in Ukraine will affect an entire generation and the proceeds from this show will allow us to reach acutely vulnerable children who need our help to stay safe.”