Little Comets gig sees ‘van full’ of donations collected for South Shields food bank

Indie rock trio Little Comets asked fans heading to their gig at the Boilershop in Newcastle on Friday, November 15, to take an item to donate to the Hospitality and Hope food bank, which is based in South Shields.

The scheme has now been deemed a success by food bank bosses, after fans donated a ‘significant’ amount of food and toiletries on the night.

In a first for the band, the move was a bid to raise awareness of the amount of food waste created by the entertainment industry, as well as helping those who are struggling to put food on the table.

The boys also donated their £300 catering rider from the gig to Hospitality and Hope.

Lead singer, Rob Coles commented: "We're really, really pleased at the response to the food-bank collection at the gig. Our fans are a loyal community and this really hit home with their support for this initiative.

“We're really hoping that at some point other band and artists might get involved and turn this into a regular event at shows across the UK."

Chief executive of Hospitality and Hope, Paul Oliver said: “This was new territory for the band, so we weren’t sure what to expect, but as soon as the doors opened you could see that people had made an effort to bring food and toiletries.

“There were about 500 people at the gig and there were a significant amount of donations made. We collected a van full of food which will help those in need this winter.”

Locally based business, UK Lift and Escalator Company, also provided a van free of charge to transport the goods back to the food bank and the venue has been praised for the help on the night.

“Some venues can a bit hesitant, but because the Boilershop was able to show that it can be done, hopefully other venues will follow,” added Paul.

“It’s a great thing that they have started here, in trying to raise awareness in a really practical way through which people can actually help.”