Charity: Join ActionAid’s new emergency music network

The charity ActionAid has launched the world’s first ever emergency music network, backed by music stars including The Wombats, Everything Everything, Chapel Club, Cancer Bats and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens.

ActionAid Live is a nationwide network of bands, musicians, promoters and venues primed to spring into action and raise funds the next time a humanitarian emergency strikes in one of the world’s most vulnerable areas.

Huw and the bands are calling on up-and-coming talent from around the country to sign up and get involved.

Radio 1 DJ and ActionAid ambassador Huw Stephens says: “When an emergency strikes – whether it’s an earthquake, flood or tsunami – we all want to do what we can to help.

“ActionAid Live brings together music fans, bands and promoters in a united effort to save lives both in those vital first few days following a disaster and in the long term.

“I’ve seen for myself the amazing work ActionAid does, and they’re one of the most inspiring charities out there – by raising money for them in an emergency, the money you raise will make the biggest difference possible.”

ActionAid Live launches as part of the charity’s wider emergency fundraising network, called the Global Emergencies Team. This is a chance for people here in the UK –whether in a band or not - to play a vital role in ActionAid’s fast emergency response: hundreds of people around the country all set to fundraise, whether in their local community or workplace.

Bijay Kumar, head of emergency response at ActionAid says: “We’re calling on people to sign up and tell us they’ll be there for those in the most desperate need next time a disaster hits.

“We know that the sooner we act in the face of emergency, the stronger and quicker people will recover. In the aftermath of disaster ActionAid responds on the ground within 48 hours, and as members of the Global Emergencies Team, you’ll likewise spring into action immediately.”

Bands and promoters can register at while individuals keen to get involved can sign up at

Emergency team members will then be able to access resources including template posters and flyers, guides on how to put on a successful fundraiser and banners and badges for use on their websites and social media spaces.

They will also have a unique link to emergency team members on the ground, receiving direct updates on their work and progress.

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