A CONCERT will be music to the ears of a group raising money for a play area.


The 100,000 Smiles appeal, which is supported by the Gazette, is aiming to raise £100,000 for a new playground for children at Lexden Springs special school in Colchester.


And the appeal has received a boost from the indie rock band Stalker.


Lead singer and guitarist Paul Hale said: “We wanted to raise money for a charity and saw the appeal in the paper.


“It seemed like a really good cause.”


The gig is being staged at Colchester Arts Centre on September 28 and will feature Stalker, acoustic singer songwriters Matt Selley and Natasha Robertson and indie band Alex Stockley.


Speakers from the music industry will also give short talks on the evening.
Tickets will cost £5 and money raised from the sales will go towards the appeal fund.


Paul said: “The night will be enjoyable people of all ages.


“We think it will have a really nice, relaxed vibe and will be a really, fun, good night.”


Charlotte Foxley, chairwoman of the Lexden Springs school PTA, which is running the appeal, said: “We are so pleased a local band should want to help us and are interested in supporting our project.


“It really is fantastic news for us to get this support from the community.”

To buy tickets for the concert, contact Colchester Arts Centre on 01206 500900.


To contribute to the fundraising appeal, send a cheque to the Lexden Springs Appeal Fund at Lexden Springs School, Halstead Road, Colchester, CO3 9AB.
If you are fundraising for them, contact them via email at appealfund@lexdensprings.essex.sch.uk.