BRADFORD bands are joining forces for Musicians Against Homelessness - a day-long festival in the city.

Justin Sullivan and Dean White from Bradford rockers New Model Army will headline the event, in aid of homeless charity Crisis. It takes place on Saturday, September 23 at The Underground in Bradford, and bands will also perform at fringe venue the Black Swan, from 6pm the same day.

The event is organised by James Murphy and Aaron Regan from music promotion label Not Your Average Giant, who are working with Musicians Against Homelessness. The artists performing are: Katie Ellie; Dave McKinley; Christy Sherry; Northern Comfort; Palace Motion; Tree; Sleepy Jake and The Duvets; The Voodoo Bats; REGAN; and Where Fires Are.

Entry to the Black Swan is free (donations only) and the line-up is: Matti & Sarah from OCD; CPSD; Tranqua Lite; Aelius; The Dark LP; Elastic Waste; October Queen; and Skies Turn Black.

Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) was launched by Oasis guru Alan McGee, to host benefit gigs nationwide for the homeless. Funds raised at the Bradford gig will go to a team tackling homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for changes.

“I’m helping this cause for two reasons; the first is the problem of homelessness. I have close friends who’ve ended up in that situation. It can seem not too far away for a lot of people,” says James.

“The other reason is music. We have a thriving music scene in Bradford, thanks to MAH working with us, we can create a platform to boost these amazing local acts, giving them opportunity to play alongside reputable names. The aim is not only to raise money for Crisis, but also to give a platform for local bands. I hope we can make a difference for people who have nowhere to go, and give some recognition for the acts performing.”

Adds Aaron: “There’s a stigma surrounding homelessness and a lot of negativity about people who’ve found themselves in this situation. The reality is that a lot of people are living on the edge and are closer than they think to following the same path. By holding an event like this there’s an opportunity to raise money for Crisis, combined with all the other MAH events across the UK in September. This is the first event we’ve organised for Crisis, a lot of people have been getting involved. I hope it’s something we can continue in future.”

* Doors open at 2.30pm, with music from 3pm. For tickets, priced £7.50, visit wegottickets.com

* facebook.com/events/636266726584135 or Twitter @NYAG_PROMO