A CHARITY gig being held in aid of children with terminal illnesses is taking place in Pendle at the end of this month with some award-winning artists shining on stage.

Among the artists, performing at the ACE Centre in Nelson for the Make A Wish Foundation is Lucy Zirins, who won the British Blues Award last year for Young Artist of the Year.

All ticket and door sales are going straight to the charity that grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for children with life-limiting illnesses.

Lucy, who is from Colne, said she was ready to deliver a soulful session on May 31.

She said: “I’ll always love blues but I’m getting more into soul, jazz, folk and country, and really beginning to find my own sound as a songwriter and performer. I want to write good strong songs that make people feel something. I want to leave a stamp on people’s hearts; the way Eva Cassidy, Aretha Franklin and Carole King all did on mine.”

Holden2UrHats Theatre Company is staging the charity gig and Jordan Dalzell, who has organised this event, says he’s keen to reach a £1,000 target.

He said: "Thankfully, I have never required the Make A Wish foundation's support but I am highly aware of the extensive work they do. I think it's a brilliant charity. Over 20,000 children in the UK are living with a life-threatening condition. Make A Wish believe few things can be more important, or more deserving, than giving a seriously ill child the chance to have their wish come true and I can only agree. For many families the Make-A-Wish memory can be the last happy memory they have of their child having fun in a magical world, surrounded by family and friends — rather than memories of days and weeks of painful treatments and hospitalisation. For that reason I am aiming to raise £1,000 for this charity.”

Other solo singers, include Natasha Harris, who recently auditioned and has received a call back for The X Factor.

Josh Hindlem, a popular Colne swing singer, and bands The 11th Hour, and Clay Vessels are also amongst the line-up.

Jordan is also looking for other acts to fill a couple of available spots left. Anyone interested can email holden 2urhats@hotmail.co.uk Tickets are £7 from the ACE Centre box office on 01282 661080 or email holden2urhats @hotmail.co.uk. Tickets can be purchased on the door, but this is not recommended as entry is not guaranteed for the gig on Saturday, May 31 at 5.30pm.