LIVERPOOL’S most famous faces united in memory of Rhys Jones at the ECHO Arena, Liverpool, on Friday.
The Liverpool Unites: Concert For Rhys charity show was held to help spread the anti-gun crime message.
Proceeds will go towards building the Rhys Jones community centre in Croxteth Park.
The idea for the concert came from two friends of Rhys’ parents Melanie and Stephen Jones.
One of the friends said: “When it happened to Rhys, everyone at work felt raw and we wanted to help. We organised a fundraising dinner in November and raised £25,000.
“We had this idea to do a concert and we thought, because it was Capital of Culture year and the city had a new arena, if we were going to do it, we should do it well.”
Liverpool-based Power Promotions was approached to organise the concert and more than 8,500 people attended.
Lyn Staunton of Power Promotions said: “We were delighted we could bring together all these stars for this wonderful cause and in doing so help raise funds for the community centre.”
Performers included Merseyside Spice Girl Melanie C, Tony Christie, Richard Fleeshman, Barbara Dickson, Eton Road, Charlie Landsborough, Natasha Hamilton, Love Potion, A Flock of Seagulls, Liverpool Express, Gary Murphy Band, The Christians, Stringfever and Phil Jones.
Comedy came from Jimmy Tarbuck and Stan Boardman.
Young performers included Morphine Dance Company, 13-year-old singer Izzi Feld, Anamal Dance Company and 70 youngsters from Croxteth Children’s Choir.
Performers from George Sampson’s dance group A2AA presented a cheque for more than £2,000 to Broad Square Primary for Liverpool Unites.
They represent the children who will benefit from the community centre on the estate where Rhys grew up.
Mel C said: “It’s been an incredible night.
“The atmosphere was electric from beginning to end. I am so pleased I could be part of the Liverpool Unites concert and it is something else for Liverpool to be proud of.”
