BENefit Gig is an annual music event for young local people inspired by local teenager Ben Sambrook, who died in 2014, just short of his 15th birthday. The annual event, held each March, is a professional level performance gig for young musicians, enabling them to gain local profile, experience and confidence.

Supporters and sponsors raised more than £1,000 over the year to stage the gig, and then tickets and donations on the night made an additional £1,600 for Brain Tumour Support. The safe and positive night out for local young people has raised over £11,500 for brain tumour charities so far.

This year the event included bands and singers from Walsall Studio School, musicians from Aldridge School, Birmingham band The Real Cool, Stourbridge vocalist Zak Hayes and Ben’s musical sister Emily Sambrook. The event was opened by the Staff Rock Choir of Aldridge School, many of whom had taught Ben.

The production team included young local people, who took control of marketing, design, photography, event management and ticket sales.

One of the co-founders of BENefit Gig, Julie Rennison commented “This year, myself and Sharon Sambrook have been able to take a back seat in the planning of the event, as the youth team have really thrown themselves into the organising. We had a record number of bands taking part and the quality was better than ever! Ben loved live music and wanted this opportunity to continue for young local musicians and audiences. We’re really proud of what they’ve all achieved.”

Event sponsors included Nameplate UK, Sweet Causes Charity Sweets and Rosie’s Helping Hands.