Toby Lee, the young number-one selling blues artist in the UK, will be joining blues veterans Dr Feelgood and Paul Jones at the Indigo at the O2 in February for a star-studded line up to raise money and awareness for the Brain Tumour Charity.

Toby appeared on the BBC on this year’s New Years’ Hootenanny, hosted by Jools Holland, and was such a hit his latest album ‘House on Fire‘ went straight to the top of the blues charts days later.

On his addition to the bill Toby said: “‘I am thrilled to be giving my support to such a worthwhile cause’’. Other acts appearing include The Cinneli Brothers, UK Top 10 chart act When Rivers Meet, Jo Harman, Mollie Marriott and festival founders The Milk Men.

Lockdown blues star Todd Sharpville and the multi-talented Thomas Heppell have also been added to the bill in cameo appearances.

Milkfest ’25 will be hosted by Blues rock band The Milk Men and UK vocal royalty, Jo Harman, will perform an exclusive tribute to the women in UK Blues. More guests are being lined up for this one-off Blues extravaganza.

Adam Norsworthy, guitarist with The Milk Men and Milkfest’25 organiser, said: “We are so excited to have Toby join us on the Milkfest line up. Having done shows with him before we know only too well what a dynamic and exciting performer he is”.

Claire Howells from The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Some incredible performers are throwing their musical weight behind Milkfest ’25 next February and we’re extremely grateful for their ongoing support.

“Through the efforts of all those working towards Milkfest ‘25, we can change the landscape for everyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and bring hope to so many. A huge thank you from all of us.”

“It will be a fantastic celebration of the UK blues scene.”

•    Tickets can be bought – here

The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity, committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.

It funds pioneering research to increase survival and improve treatment options as well as raise awareness of brain tumour symptoms and effects to bring about earlier diagnosis.

The Charity also provides support for everyone affected so that they can live as full a life as possible, with the best quality of life.

Find out more – here

About The Brain Tumour Charity:   

Every day in the UK, 34 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour, yet changes in survival rates have barely improved in 40 years compared with other cancers, investment in research is low and diagnosis is still taking much too long. The Brain Tumour Charity funds an extensive, diverse portfolio of research across the UK and internationally to improve understanding of the complexities of brain tumours, find better diagnostic techniques and identify new treatments.

It also offers comprehensive support and information services including a support and information helpline, Information Standard accredited fact sheets, online peer-to-peer support and dedicated Children and Families, and Young Person’s Service.

The Charity is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities, The Information Standard, The Helplines Partnership and the Fundraising Standards Board – Registered Charity in England and Wales (1150054) and Scotland (SC045081)

About brain tumours

1.    Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s
1.    Around 5,300 people lose their lives to a brain tumour each year
1.    Brain tumours reduce life expectancy by 27 years on average – the highest of any cancer
1.    Only 12% of adults with high grade brain tumours live for five years post-diagnosis
1.    Just 3.2% of the £700 million plus invested in UK cancer research funding in 2019/20* was spent on brain tumours. (This includes £6.6m of funding by The Brain Tumour Charity, approx. 1%)

Sources: Cancer research funding data (2022) Available at: https://www.ncri.org.uk/how-we-work/cancer-research-database/funding-data (Accessed: 23 May 2023).

Spend by Research & Disease Site (2021) UK National Cancer Research Institute’s Cancer Research Database. Available at: https://www.ncri.org.uk/how-we-work/cancer-research-database/spend-by-research-category-and-disease-site/ ;

*Pre pandemic figures have been used as the amount of research funding dropped in 2020/2021 because of the circumstances.