A HOST of bands are set to perform on Saturday, November 23 in support of a campaign to have a statue of Buzzcocks lead singer Pete Shelley built in Leigh.

The musician, who grew up on Milton Street in Leigh, died following a heart attack at his home in Estonia in December last year at the age of 63.

Following his death, a campaign was launched calling for a statue of Pete to be constructed in his hometown.

There have been a series of gigs in aid of the cause, which has raised more than £4,000.

And now the band’s only tribute act, the Buzzkocks, will be supported by groups, Same As It Ever Woz and On Tick in a gig that will begin at 7pm.

Eight-year-old Emily Hamilton, Pete’s cousin’s daughter, will be singing her own version of Buzzcocks track Ever Fallen In Love ((With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve) with Buzzkocks.

To book tickets click here.

After the gig there will be an after party at The Musketeer pub on Lord Street from 10.45pm to 1am where group, Strangeways, will be treating the audience to a tribute of Pete’s music.

Leigh Journal:

Three days before the gig on Wednesday, November 20, an exhibition, Understated, will open at The Turnpike.

It will celebrate the “trailblazing creative vision” of Pete Shelley in a collection of memorabilia, photographs and footage from friends, family and fellow musicians.

Original artworks and designs related to his career will also be on display at the display, which runs until Saturday, December 14.

Leigh Journal:

The exhibition will also be open from 5pm to 7pm on the day of the gig.

It is part of this year’s Design Manchester festival and has been curated by artistic director and designer Malcolm Garrett; a long-time friend and collaborator of Pete’s.

The exhibition will form a backdrop to a series of unique in conversation events that will bring together key figures from Pete’s life and career.

Talks are also ongoing between the campaign group, which was co-founded by Paul Lally, and Wigan Council.

For more information visit peteshelleymemorial.com.