Bonnyrigg DJ Billy Dempsey to stream virtual 80s night in aid of LVBS choir

Proceeds will help fund the choir’s next concert at the EICC.

Bonnyrigg DJ Billy Dempsey will stream a virtual 80s night via Facebook Live on Saturday in aid of the Little Voices Big Stars (LVBS) choir.

Mr Dempsey has already run several virtual discos during lockdown, and raised over £7,000 when he dedicated one of them to fundraising for the NHS.

Now he has turned his attention to LVBS, which runs singing classes for youngsters in Midlothian and regularly performs at the Edinburgh Christmas light switch-on.

Little Voices Big Stars often perform at the Edinburgh Christmas light switch-on.

The choir is due to perform at the EICC in March 2021, but members have been prevented from normal fundraising activities for the concert by the lockdown measures.

Mr Dempsey has asked those tuning in to his virtual gig on Saturday between 7pm and 11pm to donate via a Paypal link to LVBS.

His daughter Kara, 9, has been attending LVBS classes for five years.

Billy Dempsey with wife Louise and daughter Kara.

“She loves it, singing with the group really brings out the confidence in the kids,” Mr Dempsey said.

“It would be a sin for them to not get the chance to perform at the EICC. It takes years to plan a show as big as this and to perform at a venue of this size would be just incredible.”

Yvonne Williams, founder of LVBS, said: “We are so grateful to Billy and his family for their kindness and support. We have been running our classes for seven years and have around 180 children who attend each week.

“Every two years we hold a concert for the kids to showcase their hard work and commitment. Next year this will be in the EICC. It costs a substantial amount to hire these venues and with all fundraising being cancelled due to the current situation we have been worried how we can raise enough funds to pay our next instalment.

“We can’t thank Billy enough for choosing to help LVBS and all the children involved.”