A FESTIVAL to remember mark the birthday of a woman beaten to death by thugs will mark a decade of marking her legacy.

And organisers are calling on people to ‘make a noise’ at would have been Sophie Lancaster's 31st birthday.

10 years ago, the 20-year-old from Haslingden was beaten to death in Stubbeylee Park, Bacup by a gang because she dressed as a goth.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, set up by her mother Sylvia after the attack, is teaming up with Sophie Festival this Sunday to celebrate her life and legacy.

At the event, her mum will be asking that guests record themselves making a minute's noise to remember Sophie.

The ‘make a noise’ day is taking place on what would have been Sophie’s birthday at the event which will run from 1pm until 11pm at Rebellion in Manchester.

Ms Lancaster wants people to take part in the campaign at the event to celebrate her daughter’s life.

She said: “We vowed that we would ‘make a noise’ to celebrate Sophie and this year will be louder than ever with a metal festival.

“The ‘make a noise’ was first held to mark what would have been her 21st birthday.

“It’s hard to believe that this one should have been her 31st.

“Our supporters and music communities from all alternative genres will be adding their noise via the social media pages as we join together on her special day.”

The festival first took place in 2011 and raised more than £600 for the Sophie Lancaster foundation and has grown each year since.

This year's event will bring bands from across the UK with the legendary Lawnmower Deth headlining the Sunday.

Patrons of the charity Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for her role on Coronation Street, and her husband Ian Kershaw will be at the event for the evening.

Mrs Hesmondhalgh, from Church, said: “It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since Sophie’s death.

“She would have been 31 now – what things might she have achieved, what a life she might have led as this extraordinary, creative and unique individual.

“But so much has been achieved in her memory, in her name, and this event is a celebration of that.

“We’re “making a noise” for tolerance, acceptance, difference and hope in Sophie’s name.”

Scot Reedy and Ric Kay, organisers of the festival, said: “The festival has helped raise thousands for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

“The team behind the show are all a part of the culture that the foundation strives to help and all of us work hard to put on a great show and to make everybody feel welcome.

“This year we are more than honoured to be making a noise for Sophie, her incredible mother Sylvia and all of her family and friends involved with the show.”

Tickets are available on the door and it is a 14+ event if accompanied by adults.