Singers and musicians from the Burton and South Derbyshire area have come together to organise a concert to raise money to help the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.

The musical extravaganza event will be held at Burton Town Hall to support victims of the horrific fire in which at least 79 people died.

Members of several musical groups across Burton and South Derbyshire will be gathering next month for the fund-raising concert called Voices for Grenfell with the aim of raising at least £4,000 for the British Red Cross’ Grenfell Tower fund.

The 24-storey block of flats in London was destroyed by a fierce fire which started on June 13 after a faulty fridge caught fire. The fire spread rapidly with cladding added to the outside of the building for insulation and to make it look better blamed for how quickly it took hold. More than 70 people also suffering horrific burns.

Now, popular local music groups, Ocho, Fusion and Burton Musical Theatre Company, hope to families hit by the fire thanks to the generosity of the Burton and South Derbyshire community.

Derek Gardner, of Ocho and Tutbury-based Friday Voices Chamber Choir, which is also taking part, organised the concert after being horrified by what he saw on the television immediately following the devastating fire.

At least 70 people died in the Grenfell Tower fire
At least 70 people died in the Grenfell Tower fire

He said: “I thought this is so horrific with these people stuck in their flats with no way out. Some were ringing their families to say goodbye to them.

“In our own communities I wondered how we can possibly help to assist the people who have suffered as a result of such tragedy.

I sing in Friday Voices, as well as Echo, and I also emailed the Burton Musical Theatre Company about a concert for Grenfell. Everyone who wasn’t away got back to me and said yes. Everyone was fantastic.

“I think when I speak to people they think exactly the same as me - that is a horrific situation. It is difficult to think of anything worse. They were just waiting to die.”

As well musical numbers from Ocho, Fusion and the Burton Musical Theatre Company gathering, Friday Voices will also perform alongside a series of very talented soloists. There will also be pieces from the Chillwell Military Wives Choir.

How can I get tickets?

The charity concert will take place at 7.30pm on Monday, July 10, at Burton Town Hall.

Tickets cost £10 and are available by visiting https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/190672 or on the door.

All proceeds from this concert will be sent to The British Red Cross specific appeal which is co-ordinating financial donations.

Anyone who is unable to attend the concert but would like to donate can visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/voicesforgrenfell