To mark World AIDS Day (December 1) this year, a group of students from the University of London are to hold a non-stop, 18-hour busk-a-thon at Southwark Underground Station. The event, set up to raise money for HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), will include performances from X Factor finalists Princes & Rogues and Diva Fever, as well as Danielle Hope, winner of BBC1’s ‘Over The Rainbow’.

Where? Southwark Underground Station, Blackfriars Road, London
When? Wednesday 1 December; 6.00am – midnight

From 6.00am in the morning to midnight, the students will take over the central atrium of the Underground station, serenading commuters with a series of performances from singers, dancers, circus clowns, and other famous faces. THT volunteers will also be on hand to raise awareness of HIV, collect donations, and hand out red ribbons.

World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. In the UK alone, around 85,000 people are living with HIV and over 6,500 are diagnosed every year. 

Matthew Stringer, organiser of the World AIDS Day concert, said: "With more people than ever before living with HIV in the UK, I'm trying to do all that I can to raise funds for THT this World AIDS Day. It's been a lot of work, but I can't wait to watch the performances, and help THT to support those people living with HIV who need it most."

Debbie Holmes, Director of Fundraising for THT, said: “THT’s message for World AIDS Day this year is ‘HIV is everyone’s business’. Currently in the UK, one in four people with HIV don't know they have it, and THT is committed to halving this rate within the next five years. Events like this play a vital role in continuing to raise awareness, and we’re delighted the organisers have made us their chosen charity. We hope local people will get involved in some way, either by coming down on the day, making a donation, or just wearing a red ribbon."

If you’d like to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/worldaidsdayconcert. For further information on the event, please Matt Stringer on 07890 676739.

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