Cock Sparrer give back to Blackpool youth
> > Fans of punk legends Cock Sparrer and other Rebellion Punk festival attendees have helped the band make a donation of almost $2000 to local charity Streetlife, who work with the town's vulnerable young people. > > The band raffled off the custom-made backdrop that they used on stage on Saturday night, in the Empress Ballroom of the legendary Blackpool Winter Gardens. This was the fourth time the band have headlined the festival, and wanted to use the opportunity to support a local organisation. > > Singer Colin McFaull said, "We are overwhelmed by the level of support we received for this and by the number of people who made donations without taking tickets! As a band we know how lucky we are to have the Rebellion festival and we wanted to give something back to the people of Blackpool" > > Tony Riley from Streetlife said "Many thanks for the fantastic donation the band have raised at the Rebellion Punk Festival in Blackpool. It was a real WOW moment when they told me the amount!" > > "The money raised will go a long way to maintaining the work we do in our emergency nightshelter for young vulnerable people in Blackpool. We recently extended the opening hours by opening at 7-00pm instead of 9-00pm as previously. The funding we received to do this was only for 12 months and the donation will help ensure that we can extend this period. Massive thanks to all the fans who bought raffle tickets and made donations." > > The backdrop was won by Cock Sparrer fan Colin Kennedy, who couldn't stop grinning when he met the band to collect his prize. His wife said that she "had no idea where they were going to put it, but were really pleased they won". > > Notes for Editor: > > The Rebellion Festival is the world's biggest (and best!) punk festival, taking place at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th August, 2013. Find out more by visiting http://www.rebellionfestivals.com > > Cock Sparrer are one of the oldest and most well respected punk bands, celebrating 41 years playing together this year. They are known around the world for their songs about working class life and community, and have played gigs all over Europe, America, Brazil, Argentina and more. You can find out more by visiting their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/cocksparreruk > > Streetlife is a local Blackpool charity which was established in 1882. They provide advice and support for young people who have drug, alcohol or mental health issues. They have an eight bed emergency nightshelter for young people aged 16-25. They operate a day centre on Buchanan St and a nightshelter next to St Johnâs church. In June 2010 Streetlife were honoured with a Queenâs Award for Voluntary Service recognising the hard work they do helping those who need it most. Find out more by visiting http://www.streetlife-blackpool.co.uk >