Concert For CARE’s audience filled London’s Brixton Academy as top class acts performed to raise funds for CARE International.

3 November 2009

The proceeds from the event will support CARE International’s work helping some of the world’s poorest people.

The evening began with a compelling introduction from David Arnold, one of Britain’s most successful film and television composers and ambassador for CARE International (CARE). David spoke about his experiences visiting CARE projects in Rwanda supporting children affected by HIV.

CARE works in 70 countries and helps 55 million people to find ways out of poverty each year.

Concert organiser David said: “I have wanted to do this concert from the day I met a 20 year old woman in Rwanda who was orphaned at 14, is HIV positive and has to look after her two younger brothers. Without CARE’s support she would be unable to keep them in school, feed them or keep a roof over their heads. I have asked my colleagues from the music and comedy world to get together to help raise money and awareness of the amazing work CARE does all over the world.”

Some of Britain’s most popular musicians and comedians performed for the one off event at London’s Brixton Academy including:
Gary Barlow, David Arnold, Kaiser Chiefs, David Walliams, Speech Debelle, Rob Brydon, Dara O’ Briain, Damian Rice, Mark Ronson, James Corden, Beth Rowley, Badly Drawn Boy, James Dean Bradfield and surprise performances from Simon le Bon and Daniel Merriweather.

Some of the highlights of the evening included Gary Barlow’s rousing performance, Damien Rice’s acoustic version of Cannonball which silenced the audience, and a comedy double act from Dara O’ Briain and Rob Brydon.

CARE International’s Chief Executive Geoffrey Dennis said: “We are so grateful to all of the artists involved, especially to David Arnold for organising the event. It was a wonderful evening and the proceeds from the concert will support CARE’s vital work helping vulnerable people around the world.”
For more information on Concert For CARE or about CARE International, please contact the press office on 0207 934 9334
Or check out the website: www.careinternational.org.uk