Entertainment

London Irish musicians unite for special gig to support Grenfell Tower fire victims

A LONDON Irish band is leading a stellar line-up to raise vital funds for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.

The BibleCode Sundays have teamed up with Irish pub The Claddagh Ring in Hendon to host the Grenfell Tower Fundraising Night.

All proceeds from the gig, taking place this Friday, July 21, will go towards The London Community Foundation to help the victims and families of the tragedy.

The Biblecodes' accordionist Andy Nolan, who is also a film producer, has enlisted the help of Galway publican Finbar Holian to host the fundraiser, which is being supported by a number of well-known Irish personalities.

"I was born and brought up in west London so, like everyone else, was deeply saddened with what happened at Grenfell," Nolan said.

"My short film Jack Mulligan was filmed around that area so all of us involved in that production have a deep affinity with this area of London.

"We actually premiered the film on Facebook just hours before the fire broke out.

"I have family and friends there myself so I just felt like I needed to try and help in some way."

The remains of Grenfell Tower (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

A total of 21 people have now been formally identified as police comfirmed at least 37 deaths in the devastating fire, which took hold in the early hours of June 14.

Metropolitan Police expect the number of dead to rise as the search and recovery operation at the 120 flat, 27-storey high tower continues.

Among the London Irish bands and special guests attending the Hendon fundraiser this Friday are Spider Stacy from The Pogues, who'll perform with The BibleCodeSundays, as well as former Irish, British and European boxing champion Matthew Macklin, actor/director Sean Cronin (Harry Potter/Mission Impossible) and actor Dean Smith (Jack Mulligan).

The BibleCode Sundays will be joined by some special guests on the night

The Monday Club, Contraband and singer Lorraine O'Reilly will perform along with The Aaron Crosbie School of Irish Dance.

"I've organised a good few fundraisers before and Finbar Holian at The Claddagh Ring has always been very supportive of them," Nolan added.

"So when I spoke to him about the idea of a fundraiser for the victims of the Grenfell fire he was immediately on board.

"I made a few phone calls and almost everyone has said 'yes, how can we help?' I'd urge everyone to please come down and support this very worth while cause.

"All proceeds will go directly to the victims of the tragedy via The London Community Foundation."