Concert for Africa tickets are selling out fast

JUST 400 tickets remain for the Sunday Herald and Concern's Concert for Africa, two weeks after the special fundraising event was announced. Tickets for the gig, to take place on May 17 at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, have already raised more than (pounds) 35,000 for Concern. In what will be an evening of song, comedy and film reports, Scottish groups Belle And Sebastian, the Delgados and other special guests will join comedian Karen Dunbar, who will compere on the night.

The show was announced in the Sunday Herald a fortnight ago as a response to the desperate situation in Africa, especially across the Horn and southern parts, where 30 million people are threatened with starvation, dwarfing the terrible food shortages that led to the Live Aid appeal in 1985.

With the situation in Iraq dominating world headlines there are fears that the scale of the impending African food crisis will be sidelined.

Africa's current crisis is a result of many factors including adverse climatic conditions, mismanagement of grain reserves, HIV/ Aids, conflict, and questionable government and international community policies.

Although the Concert for Africa was announced just two weeks ago, readers have already responded in their hundreds. Many are expected to travel to the Glasgow concert from abroad and across the UK. In the coming weeks, the Sunday Herald will reveal more acts for the Royal Concert Hall event and a second fundraising event in Edinburgh.

Highlights of the event, promoted by Regular Music on behalf of the Sunday Herald and Concern, will be shown by Scottish and Grampian Television. Mhairi Owens, Concern co-ordinator, said: "As an agency we are very keen to keep Africa's massive problems in the public eye and are extremely grateful to the Sunday Herald and for all the support which has been forthcoming from Scotland's music and entertainment industry for making sure that this happens."

Sunday Herald and Concern Concert for Africa is on Saturday May 17, 7pm, at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow. Tickets cost (pounds) 25/ (pounds) 18.50 + 50p booking fee for credit cards and are limited to four per booking. Box office: 0141-353 8000.

If you want to make a donation to Concern's Appeal For Africa, call 0800 032 4002

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