SIX bands are set to rock Haddington Corn Exchange in a bid to raise funds for the county’s foodbank – including one featuring a county minister.

The Big Foodbank Gig will give some of the county’s budding musicians the chance to take to the stage, while also raising money for a worthy cause.

The Rev Robin Hill, of Longniddry Parish Church, is a trustee of East Lothian Foodbank and will also be taking to the stage with his band Goldrush on November 8.

He said: “We decided we wanted to have an awareness-raising and fundraising event to get word out there about the foodbank and to get some cash for it. What we are hoping for is the variety of different bands will apply to all ages.

“I play mandolin in a bluegrass band while there are some younger bands from Lamp House Music coming along.

“Bombskare are the headline act at the end of the night and they have a lot of fans in the area.” Peter Dicker, manager of the foodbank, was delighted to see people joining forces for the concert.

He said: “It’s a great opportunity to promote the foobank within East Lothian and have a great time as well.

“The foodbank relies on charitable donations and fundraising donations and whatever is raised on the evening will go towards the running of the foodbank.

“That means we can deliver food parcels to people in food crisis across East Lothian.

“We are an East Lothian charity helping the people of East Lothian.” All food given out by foodbanks is donated. That can come from schools, churches, businesses, individuals or supermarket collections.

The food is then sorted and stored, with professionals from statutory and voluntary organisations such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and Citizens Advice Bureau staff identifying people in crisis and issuing them a foodbank voucher.

The vouchers are then exchanged for a three-day supply of emergency food.

Joining Goldrush on stage will be Dancing with Ducks and 5 Gun Salute, who have come through the Haddington-based Lamp House Music’s Bandjam programme, which encourages youngsters to pick up an instrument.

Then, Beckett and Well Scrubbed Social Club will perform before headliners Bombskare.

Martin Simpson, from Lamp House Music, said: “It is great to support a local charity.

“It is something where we know what we are doing and it is a great opportunity for our young bands to play on a big stage, on a big venue with a professional set-up.” Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children aged between 10 and 16, with a family of costing £25.

Tickets are available from Lamp House Music, Mike’s Bikes, Hilary’s Deli and the foodbank, in Tranent.

Non-perishable items can also be donated on the night.