Some of you will remember rummaging around your mams cupboards after stern instruction from your headmaster at school urging you to go home and fill up a shoebox full of goodies. What you may not have been aware of is the difference your JD or Clarkes box made to the work of Operation Christmas Child. A charity who’s only purpose is to make the lives of disadvantaged children around the world that little bit better. Bunker based band Hollywood & Vines must have been paying extra attention during that assembly back in the day, because they have made it their own mission this Christmas to get together some of the finest talent kicking around the North East to do their bit.

Bands like Hollywood & Vines, Bird Island, The Union Choir, The Lake Poets, The Railway Club, Hungry Ghosts, Natasha Haws, Gallery Circus, Silver Trembling Hands, Jen Stevens & The Hiccups, Maps are Fiction and Shift-Static have all donated or recorded tracks for the CD, which will be released on the 8th of December at a very festive launch at Independent’s Little Room.

Paul Barber, of Hollywood & Vines and organiser of The Christmas Project, said: “Christmas seems to bring out the best in people. Raising money for those less fortunate than ourselves is a great way to give something back.”

Money will be raised on the door, with each guest receiving a limited edition, free Christmas bundle of music. The night will include festive treats served up by local music advocates with Mince Pies and Crimbob Cupcakes on the menu as well as live performances from some of those who feature on the CD. South Shields rockers Gallery Circus will headline the evening with support from Union Choir,and curators Hollywood & Vines.

The Bunker, who will be sponsoring the CD alongisde local comedy blog gigglebeats, will be there in force with members of our live team donning their Christmas jumpers and helping to run the night. So make sure you head down and support a fantastic charity through the force that is local live music.

For more information go to www.christmasproject.co.uk