We got so excited that we had to find out a bit more about the event and contacted the organiser, Sue Lawrence, for more details.
Schlagerboys: So Sue, we know Eurovision is fabulous, but why do you love it too?
Sue Lawrence: For the last 21 years a group of very good friends have met on Eurovision night. If we didn't have that as a fixed date each year, then we probably would have lost touch a long time ago. I had a score board made at one of our parties. There are alot of people who say they don't watch the ESC, yet when songs are played at a party they know all the words!!!!!!!!!!!! I have great memories of the ESC, even got to see the rehearsal in Birmingham when Dana International won, the atmosphere was amazing, and I would like to replicate that if I could on 11th April, but most importantly I want to raise as much money as possible for children with cancer.
SBs: Can you tell us about the charity that will be benefiting from the concert?
SL: I began working for The Toma Fund in November. The charity gives financial assistance to families who have a child with cancer. The money may be used for a special bed, so the child can be nursed at home, a special treat for the child, or the worst scenario to help pay for the funeral costs. So I think you will all agree a worthy cause.
SBs: How have you gone about organising the event?
SL: I had already been looking at the idea before I started working for The Toma Fund, although I have put in many hours of research since September, when I had alot of free time on my hands between jobs. I have produced large scale shows before, but wanted something different, and that would gain as much publicity as possible, so that everybody would then know all about The Toma Fund, and want to support a fantastic charity. The first job was to find some contacts, as I didn't have one contact when I began this project. Thanks to John Kennedy O'Connor, Paul Marks Jones, Liam Whelan and Daz Sampson, to name but a few I now have an amazing line up, with some very big names, hopefully still to come. I have been told that nothing on this scale has been done in the UK before, I'm not sure how true that is, but I'm pretty sure there hasn't been an event of this size done in the North East.
SBs: Other than buying a ticket and screaming at Bobbysocks, is there anything else people can do to support the event?
SL: I am also looking for sponsors, as the event is costing £18,000 to hold. The main costs are the venue, travel and hotel for the performers. I have British Airways funding some flights, and in touch with other airlines, as well as hopefully securing a good deal with an hotel. But if the show is a sellout it could easily make a profit of £30,000, and if I could find some very kind sponsors to help cover the costs, many more poorly children and their families would be helped.
SBs: And what does a sponsor get:?
SL: If I could find eighteen sponsors who would be willing to pay £1,000 each, they would get one of the best seats in the house, accommodation and be a special guest at the after show party.
OMG!!! That sounds fabulous!! We'll be heading to Gateshead in April and we can't wait to find out which other super-secret Eurocelebs will be announced in the next couple of months. Toma Fund Presents Eurovision Reunited is on 11th April at The Sage Gateshead, . Tickets will be on sale from 11th January and will cost £28.50. For anybody wishing to become a sponsor please contact Sue via email on suelawrence@tomafund.org or through her Facebook page. Sue has asked us to point out that this is an independent fundraising event organised by the Toma Fund, and is not associated in any way with the EBU.
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