A rock band from Leeds who attracted support from across the industry when their funding ended have been invited to play a huge show in their home city.
BBC Online reported that Ultimate Thunder, who are predominantly made up of people with learning disabilities, raised £20,000 after receiving more than 1,000 donations earlier this year.
Backers included Leeds group Yard Act, who have now asked them to perform at an gig in Millennium Square later this year.
Kenneth Stainburn, Ultimate Thunder bassist, told the BBC he was “super excited”.
The band discovered in February that a series of grant bids had been unsuccessful, leaving their future in serious doubt.
A crowdfunding campaign was set up aiming to help them carry on, with Tim Burgess from top indie band the Charlatans among those offering support.
James Smith, singer with Yard Act, told the BBC the fundraising displayed the “power of community”.
He said: “It was clearly something that is dear to music lovers’ hearts, because why wouldn’t you want to see people thriving and doing something that they love?
“They needed that money and support to operate, and when that was taken away from them people saw the importance in making sure they got it from elsewhere.”
Ultimate Thunder, who recently released their second album, were invited by Burgess to play at the Kendal Calling music festival this year.
James, who previously worked as a support worker, said of the show in Leeds: “It felt like a nice tie-in with my history and it’s important to expose Ultimate Thunder to a wider audience who can see how great they are and understand the importance of the work them and their team are doing. But first and foremost it’s because they’re a great band!”
Kenneth said: “I have never performed in front of crowds this big before, so I am a little nervous about it but as soon as you start doing your stuff everything changes.
“I hope what we do will make others realise it does not matter if you have a disability, if you believe you can do it then you can.”
The concert in Millennium Square – an outdoor venue in the centre of Leeds – will take place on Saturday August 3. Other bands booked to perform include English Teacher, also from Leeds, and London group Fat Dog.
