16397TSUNAMI IN ASIA: A FESTIVAL of gigs is to be held across Wiltshire to raise money for the tsunami appeal and bands and venues are needed to take part.

The series of gigs will be held at venues across the county as part of the Wiltshire Rocks For Tsunami Appeal, starting this week.

Organisers include Jim Lynch, Chris Goulstone and Kurt Paulus, the men behind Bradford on Avon's annual Woolley Festival.

They have already signed up a number of bands and Bradford pubs The George and The Rising Sun, and The Kings Arms in Hilperton have already agreed to host events.

The gigs will culminate in a final concert of bands in St Margaret's Hall, Bradford, on March 5, when all the money raised will be handed over. Tickets will be on sale from the end of January.

The organisers are now appealing to bands to "Give a Gig" for free, so the money they would usually be paid can be donated instead to the appeal.

Organiser Mr Goulstone, a composer from Southwick, said: "The series of gigs will entail venues and performers volunteering their services for free, raising money for the appeal along with generous donations from the public coming to watch."

The organisers are hopeful large organisations such as the Wiltshire Music Centre will be interested in participating, and have high profile contacts in the music industry.

A roll call of honour will be put up in venues taking part to show how much money has been raised.

Mr Lynch, landlord of The George, said they were inspired to organise the event by the generosity of those giving money to the tsunami appeal and by the public's desire to help out.

He said: "We did some fundraising for the appeal and people were handing over £10 and £20 notes.

"One regular went home and came back with £50 from him and his wife. It was incredible."

To take part contact Mr Lynch on (01225) 865650 or jim@lynchjim.fsnet.co.uk