30081TSUNAMI AID: A MUSICAL event in Trowbridge featuring young performers will be held to raise funds for the victims of the Asian tsunami.

Town mayor Grace Hill has launched an appeal and is asking businesses to donate prizes for a raffle and auction to be held at a fundraising day in Chicago Rock Caf.

Cllr Hill said: "It will show our solidarity with the people in Asia who have been hit so hard by this awful event.

"People are giving money but they also want to do something. This event will be a good day out for all the family while also raising money."

Performers from the Starry Eyes talent show group have been lined up to take part in the event and will be providing entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Sally Boyle from Starry Eyes said: "All the performers are really good at responding on short notice. They are all so eager to get involved with this.

"Everyone feels so helpless because there is so little we can do but something like this is a way people can help.

"The day promises to be a good day and a celebration of life, to remind us of how lucky we are and to remember the ones who lost their lives as well as the ones who have lost their loved ones and the people who are now fighting to carry on living."

Everyone is welcome to come along on the day and people will be able to enjoy a meal and a drink.

Cllr Hill said: "A lot of families go out for lunch or a drink on a Sunday and this way they can come along and do that while also getting involved in raising money for such a good cause."

The event will take place from 12.30pm-5.30pm on January 23 at the Park Road venue.

As well as the auction and entertainment, Australian comic poet Mike Leigh will be entertaining the crowds.

Prizes for the raffle can be taken along to Chicago Rock Caf, marked tsunami appeal FAO Ceri Burrell.

Cash donations should be put in an envelope marked the mayor's tsunami appeal which can be handed in at the town council offices, in Fore Street, or at Chicago Rock Caf on the day.