THERE will be an emotional return for newly-reformed East Lancashire band Tyro when they play Clitheroe Grand next month.

The band will support reggae stars Jeremiah Ferrari at the annual Hey Clitheroe event which raises funds for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

Originally formed in 2008, Tyro reformed last year to raise money for the hospital as a way of thanking staff their for saving the life of lead guitarist Tom Faulkner’s five-week old son Fletcher.

Hey Clitheroe spokesman, Derek Russell, said “Including Tyro in this year’s line up was probably one of the easiest decisions we have ever had to make.

“The band recently reformed to fund raise for Alder Hey hospital – the same reason Hey Clitheroe was formed – so they were a perfect choice for us.”

The Hey Clitheroe event has raised over £12,500 over the past two year sand organisers are hoping that this year’s event will be equally successful.

As well as having a direct connection to the hospital, Tyro have been invited to appear due to their live work.

“We had the opportunity to see them perform last October at their first gig for over three years,” said Derek.

“We were really impressed by their high octane performance and great crowd interaction.

“Many of the acts we have featured over the last two years have played original material, which, whilst excellent and well received, did not necessarily fill the dance floor.

“This year we wanted to change the musical emphasis slightly and to encourage the crowd onto the dance floor.

“We are sure they will providing the perfect warm up for our headliners - Jeramiah Ferrari - who will round off what promises to be a very vibrant evening.”

The organisers also hope their appearance at Hey Clitheroe will help Tyro with their comeback.

Derek added, “Hey Clitheroe has been very successful over the last two years in providing a platform for young, aspiring acts to launch their musical aspirations, and is very much part of what we are trying to achieve.”

In June 2017, Tom’s son Fletcher was struck down with viral meningitis and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Alder Hey.

Thanks to the care and expertise of the hospital, Fletcher responded to treatment and Tom said: “Fletcher has made a full recovery and is now a typical bubbly, smiling eight month old little boy.

“I cannot praise the staff at Alder Hey enough; I am in little doubt that Fletcher would not be here today if was not for their professionalism, care, compassion and commitment.

“We all feel highly privileged to be performing at Hey Clitheroe and to be part of what the organisers are doing.”

The event will also feature singer songwriter Kirk McIllhinney.

Hey Clitheroe, the Grand, Clitheroe, Saturday, March 10. Details from 01200 421599 or www.thegrandvenue.co.uk