OSCAR winning lyricist Sir Tim Rice will bring West End friends to Sunderland to help some of the region’s most in need communities.

The Sunderland AFC fan, who wrote the words for famous musicals including Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Lion King, will host a special event at the Beacon of Light. He will talk about his career and there will be performances by West End singers and an eight-piece band.

Speaking about the event, Sir Timsaid: “I’m very excited about this event and looking forward to announcing some of the performers who will be joining us to support the fantastic work of Foundation of Light.”

Foundation of Light Chief Executive Lesley Spuhler OBE added: “Sir Tim has been a Foundation of Light trustee since our launch 18 years ago and we are very grateful that he is generously bringing his talents, and those of his friends, to our city for an event that will benefit thousands on Wearside and beyond.”

The event is being sponsored by the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, who support Foundation of Light through the Beacon of Light’s World of Work Zone, delivering enterprise and employability programmes.

The event, on March 6, will run as part of Foundation of Light’s Gala Dinner celebrations recognising the achievements of local people who have worked with Sunderland AFC's official charity in the last year and raising funds for it. For details and tickets call Clare Wilson on 0191-5634777 or email clare.wilson@foundationoflight.co.uk.