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Liverpool to unite for 2 nights of
World AIDS Day fundraising
A music legend, rising country star, a
vocal ensemble and 'queer disco' collective will unite for a 2 day
fundraising extravaganza that plans to raise awareness of World AIDS Day 2017 as
well as celebrate the lives and ongoing legacies of people living with HIV.
2 events across 2 days will bring the City together to help increase
understanding and generate integral support for Sahir House, Liverpool's
dedicated HIV Charity. Irish singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy, supported by
country/blues newcomer Daisy Gill, will perform, at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall,
on Thursday, 30 November 2017. The 'A Better Man' singer will perform an
exclusive intimate gig in the venue's Music Room allowing guests to get up close
to the popular singer. Brian will be joined on the evening by critically
acclaimed vocalists, Sense of Sound who will sing a collection of songs
together.
This will be followed by a one-off World AIDS Day event, at District, in the
Baltic Triangle, on Friday, 1 December 2017, courtesy of Sonic Yootha.
Both nights will raise awareness of the stigma that still surrounds HIV and
generate understanding that it can be easily prevented.
After the success of the 2016 event, Thomas Lang and Jennifer John, local
musicians and patrons of Sahir House, will be back curating.
Thomas Lang, musician and event organiser,
said:- "Both events are a wonderful way of remembering everything worth
living for, and a reminder to take the necessary steps to ensure that we can
keep on living. HIV is still around, and something that we cannot ignore. It's
estimated that over 100,000 in the UK are living with it, but crucially 13% of
those are unaware that they have HIV. People must be aware that it's really
important to know your HIV status. We're also incredibly excited to have Sonic
Yootha on board. The collective has been amazing at igniting a whole new era of
club culture and it's great to see all walks of life uniting at their dynamic
events. Vitally, it will allow us to reach a whole new audience: which is
exactly what we need to overcome the stigma. Each artist has volunteered free of
charge in support of Sahir House. Myself, Jennifer and the Sahir House team are
extremely grateful for this gesture of support. We'd love nothing more than the
public to get involved and attend one of, if not both, of our events; after all,
music has the power to unite us all."
Liverpool born poet, director, actor and author, Gerry Potter will be back
hosting the evening which is expected to be another incredible night that is so
crucial to garnering support for this vital cause.
The events will also raise awareness of National HIV Testing Week, which
encourages everybody to take ownership of their own health and overcome the
outdated stigma surrounding HIV. It reinforces the World AIDS Day 2017 message
of:- "Let's end it: end isolation, end stigma, end HIV transmission."
John Aggy, co-founder of Sonic Yootha, said:- "At Sonic Yootha, we're
staunch advocates of breaking stigmas and providing a safe space to do so – this
is why we jumped at the chance to support Sahir House. From the get go we have
always wanted a night that allows people to be empowered and feel comfortable
enough to talk about vital issues. Through collaborating with Sahir House, we'd
really like to encourage people to talk about HIV, how you can prevent it and
how it can be treated. We welcome anybody as long as you're respectful. Let's
dance, celebrate life and honour those souls we have lost."
Tommy McIlravey, CEO, Sahir House said:- "There's a real buzz already
about this year's Celebration of Life event. Anyone who has been to the last few
events will know that Celebration of Life is a unique mix of great music,
performance and humour. This is what has made the events so successful in
previous years. This time we have Brian Kennedy headlining which is generating
attention from much wider afield than ever before. He's a talent with real star
quality and we know he has a particularly special place in the heart of many
people in Liverpool. We can't wait!"
Brian Kennedy and friends will perform at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Music
Room, Thursday, 30 November 2017, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available
online now!
Baltic Triangle's District is hosting Sonic Yootha's 1 off World AIDS Day
event, on the evening of Friday, 1 December2017. Tickets are:- ₤5.00 and can be
bought on the door. All details can be found on Sonic Yootha's Facebook
Page.
To find out more about Sahir House and the life-changing work they do, visit:-
Sahir.Org.UK.
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