Hardcore Music Fans Donate Toys for Leeds Children

Leeds gig raises hundreds of Christmas gifts for vulnerable children

Hardcore punk music fans attending a sold-out concert in Leeds brought hundreds of donated toys to support children in need this Christmas. The event, held at Boom Leeds in Armley, was part of an annual Christmas gift appeal organised by Leeds City Council’s Child Friendly Leeds programme.

Community effort at Boom Leeds gig

Approximately 300 attendees, including the performing bands, arrived at the event carrying gifts to donate. The concert was organised by Leeds resident Arran Gordon, inspired by similar US-based music charity events known as ‘For The Children’. The headline act was American hardcore band Haywire, who travelled from Boston to take part alongside UK bands.

The appeal works with council and third sector partners to identify vulnerable families across Leeds who are struggling with the cost of Christmas. Donated gifts are then distributed to children and young people, with this year’s appeal already surpassing previous totals by providing presents worth around £39,000 to over 2,300 children.

Local charities and tailored gifts

This year, donations from the gig were linked with Holbeck Together, a new charity partner, which will distribute the gifts to families in Holbeck and Beeston. Matthew Springthorpe, service development officer at Holbeck Together, highlighted the importance of the donations for families facing difficult choices during the festive season.

Children supported through the city’s ‘clusters’—partnerships between schools and local organisations—also receive bespoke presents tailored to their age and interests. Park Square Barristers have supported this aspect of the appeal for several years.

Sophie Decamilli, a family support worker with Barca-Leeds, shared examples of how the gifts have positively impacted children, including improved school attendance and enhanced emotional wellbeing.

Additional support and festive activities

• Gifts are also provided to young carers, children with disabilities or complex needs, young people in kinship care, and teenagers experiencing hardship.
• Donations include vouchers for Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre, gift sets from Lloyds Banking Group, First Direct, and The Grammar School at Leeds, as well as selection boxes from VINCI Building.
• Seasonal event tickets have been donated by Heritage Theatres, Leeds Central Library, and From the Fields.
• The White Rose Shopping Centre hosted a ‘breakfast with Santa’ event, and Hyde Park Picture House screened the film Elf for care-experienced children.
• Leeds Rhinos donated 100 tickets for their Boxing Day game.

Council response and future plans

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, expressed gratitude to the individuals and businesses contributing to the appeal. She described the campaign as a vital way to support vulnerable children and families during the festive period.

Arran Gordon, the event organiser, expressed interest in expanding the event next year into a two-day festival to raise even more support.

Further information

Schools, organisations, or groups interested in participating in the annual Christmas gift appeal or becoming a Child Friendly Leeds ambassador can contact the team via email at childfriendlyleeds@leeds.gov.uk.