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NEWS RELEASE: 15/9/09
The legendary front man from newwave pop band Squeeze played a benefit gig in a small Brighton tea shop to raise money for the city’s first memorial to those who have died of HIV/Aids.
Singer/song-writer Chris Difford,who is used to playing to tens of thousands in huge stadiums and festivals,wowed a small gathering at Metrodeco Tea Salon in Upper St James’s St, KempTown.
His 20-minute set included the classics 'Cool for Cats' and 'Up the Junction', which both reached number two in the UK singles charts in 1979.
He was joined by celebrity bid-taker Mark Stacey from BBC1’s Bargain Hunt, who auctioned off some top prizes, including house seats for the Billy Elliot musical and a signed print by Romany Bruce, the artist behind the Brighton and Hove Aids Memorial sculpture, which is being unveiled by David Furnish on October 9th, in New Steine, Kemp Town.
Metrodeco co-owners Helen Wilkinson and Maggie Morgan reckoned the event raised around £2,500 on the night and £4,000 in total, including prizes they secured, which will be sold at a second auction.
Helen said: “The memorial sculpture is a cause close to the heart of many people in our community in Kemp Town and we were delighted our event was supported by such high profile personalities, like Chris and Mark. We are amazed at the generosity of people in raising such an amazing sum of money.”
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NOTES FOR EDITORS:
1. PIC CAPTIONS:
Helen is tickled by the 'Auctioneer's Assistant' role
Chris Difford takes the stage at Metrodeco's basement music venue
Paros's Peter Barrett cheers as the Billy Elliot theatre tickets go for £170, while Maggie Morgan (right) looks on
Chris proves the night has been Cool For Cats...and everyone else
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