WELL known Southend event organiser Martin Wood - the man behind the local Fake Festivals and the Leigh Rock tribute band gigs at the Leigh Community Centre - hopes to get Southend rocking for the homeless this bank holiday Monday.

He is putting on an event called Charity Rock Day at the Southend Rugby Club on Monday May 28, with tribute bands Shoasis, Musek, and Just Jovi headlining.

Martin said: "When I was given the opportunity to hold a day festival I thought it would be a great way to give something back to Southend by using it to support the work of HARP - Southend's local charity helping homeless people.

"HARP helps over 1,000 people every year who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness, including young people, females, and people with mental health issues.

"HARP relies on donations to provide ongoing one-to-one support to improving health, wellbeing, and housing of service users, including supplying some of the most basic needs we all take for granted: access to meals, health advice, counselling, access to clothing, and washing facilities.

"The bands have very generously waived their fees for this Charity Rock Day, and I hope we can generate a lot of interest from music fans to raise a substantial sum for HARP."

Joining the tributes to Oasis, Muse and Bon Jovi will be south Essex acts the Most, the Stents, and the Small Wonders, along with local community choir The Show Choir, and duo Smudger.

Doors open at 12:30pm with the first act at 12:45pm.

Food and a licensed bar are available.

Tickets are £15 in advance and on the day, available from martinwoodevents.co.uk/charity-rock-day or 01702 315278

The event is being partly sponsored by Leigh-based company Champion's Mortgage Solutions.