Exeter Cavern will play host to the first PetRocks! fundraiser gig to help people in the city who are homeless.

Organised by local businessman and guitarist Dan Pritchard, of Susannah and the Noise, the gig on Thursday February 20 at the Gandy Street venue will see proceeds go to local charity St Petrock’s, which is working to address the problems caused by homelessness in and around Exeter.

Susannah and the Noise will be joined by Lottie, Ghost Hands and Charlotte AP for the gig.

Last year, between 45 and 95 people were accessing the charity’s drop-in homelessness, welfare, housing and survival services each week. The numbers have been rising for several years.

Lucy Patrick, External Communications Manager at St Petrock’s said: “We are very grateful to Susannah and the Noise for putting on this event. St Petrock’s relies on people from the community responding in different creative ways to the homelessness situation in our city and we are confident that the evening will enable people to have fun whilst gaining greater awareness of the work we do.”

Dan Pritchard, who is also managing director of Exeter-based marketing and PR agency Astley Media, said: “We’re in the city centre and see the problem at first hand. As businesses, and as people living and working in the area, we need to do something to raise awareness and help St Petrock’s do their work. There are no easy solutions but St Petrock’s do an incredible job, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“The gig is a way to have some fun, do some good and draw attention to one of the city’s most pressing challenges. We’ve had a fantastic response, with people not just being there to support on the night but keen to find out more and get involved.”

As a contributor to the Exeter Daily, Dan spoke to BBC Six Music presenter Steve Lamacq about the local music scene and the fundraising gig during a live broadcast from Exeter Cavern last week, as part of Independent Venue Week.

Following positive responses from people and other local businesses to the music fundraiser, a session is being held at St Petrock’s Exeter centre in March, to give people an opportunity to find our more about the charity and its work. There will also be a discussion on ways the business community might collectively be able to help. Contact dan.pritchard@astleymedia.co.uk for more information.

Tickets are £6 plus booking fee www.wegottickets.com/exetercavern/event/493026