IDLES announce benefit concert in Bristol for war child

Crosstown Concerts & Friendly Records presents a very special evening with Bristol’s favourite sons, IDLES, in aid of War Child.

Image: IDLES 
On Saturday 24 August at the O2 Academy Bristol, a one-off gig will bring Bristol legends IDLES to the stage with support from 86TVs, Zalizo and a DJ set from Boca 45 for a gig like no other which will be hosted by acclaimed comedian, Stewart Lee. 

Crosstown Concerts, Friendly Records and War Child UK have joined forces to bring this huge fundraising concert to Bristol, with tickets going on sale at 10am on Friday 16 August. 

With a stellar lineup that will come together to support the crisis in areas around the world affected by conflict. Bristol's very own post-punk heroes, IDLES, will perform with their signature raw energy and passion that has captured audiences worldwide. Joe Talbot, lead singer of IDLES said: “We are playing a show for Warchild. This is our privilege. Please spend your money on the most innocent victims of these unforgivable crimes. Love x”

The night will also feature performances by indie rock band 86TVs who have brought a fresh and dynamic sound to the music scene, Zalizo (ЗАЛІЗО in Ukrainian, meaning Iron/Metal)   an experimental rock quartet based in Bristol which presents a blend of Ukrainian lyrics, guitars, saxophone, pulsing drums and modular synths as well as a DJ set by the legendary Bristol native Boca 45 who will be spinning his mix of funk, hip-hop and beats.

Tickets will be available exclusively on Ticketmaster for £50 general admission and are sure to sell out fast. On the day, there will be limited edition merch for sale along with a raffle draw to win some one-of-a-kind prizes. Tickets for the raffle will be £5 and can be purchased at the venue with all funds raised going directly to War Child. 

Rich Clarke, Head of War Child Records comments: “War Child is hugely grateful to the artist community for coming together to create this amazing night of live music at O2 Academy Bristol. So many people have donated their time and energy to bring this show together and help War Child stand up for the rights of children affected by war. We deliver life-changing services and support in communities affected by conflicts to keep children safe and help them to heal and learn for the chance of a better future. The impact of the situations will affect an entire generation and there will be acutely vulnerable children who need our help to stay safe. The money raised by this gig will make sure that we can respond quickly to children who need that support right now."

More than just a concert, this celebration of music is a powerful statement of solidarity. All proceeds will go to War Child, a charity dedicated to supporting children affected by conflict around the world. 

For more information on War Child and the work it does, head to the website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.