Top Freddie Mercury tribute performer Billy West to stage virtual concert in aid of Hartlepool's Alice House Hospice

A top Freddie Mercury tribute performer is to stage a special virtual concert in aid of Hartlepool’s Alice House Hospice where vital funds have been hit by coronavirus.
Billy West will perform a concert on his Facebook page for Alice House Hospice on Sunday, May 3.Billy West will perform a concert on his Facebook page for Alice House Hospice on Sunday, May 3.
Billy West will perform a concert on his Facebook page for Alice House Hospice on Sunday, May 3.

Hartlepool’s Billy West, who has performed thousands of shows all over the UK and Europe as the charismatic Queen frontman, will put on a performance from his home to be broadcast online with viewers encouraged to donate to the hospice.

It will take place on Sunday, May 3 at 4pm and can be viewed via Billy’s own Facebook page.

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Billy had the idea for the show as he wanted to help the hospice, which is currently losing £15,000 a week in takings after having to close all of its shops because of the coronavirus outbreak, and its other upcoming fundraisers have had to be put on hold.

Billy West has performed as Freddie Mercury in thousands of shows all over the UK and Europe.Billy West has performed as Freddie Mercury in thousands of shows all over the UK and Europe.
Billy West has performed as Freddie Mercury in thousands of shows all over the UK and Europe.

He has also always been a big supporter of Alice House, particularly since his mother Edna was cared for there in 2010.

Deputy fundraising manager Greg Hildreth said: “We have had fantastic support and entertainment from Billy for many years now; he knows how to put on a great show and guarantees a packed house every time he plays.

“It is brilliant that he has been able to adapt to the current challenges which we are all facing to organise a performance in aid of local patients.

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“With many of our fundraising activities on hold or facing uncertainty, we need this kind of support more than ever.

“I’m sure Billy will be as enjoyable as ever and I hope that people will be able to give generously.”

Billy will be performing two 30-minute sets of Queen and Freddie classics in the virtual concert.

He has been a professional entertainer for over 28 years both as a solo Freddie tribute and also lead singer for the tribute band Qween.

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As well as Alice House having to temporarily close its seven charity shops in Hartlepool, Peterlee, Horden and Blackhall, it has also been forced to postpone its Purple Week, Memory Stroll, Colour Run and Family Fun Day events.

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