Bench are supporting Versus Cancer, a music event taking place on Friday 30th March 2007 at the Manchester Evening News arena.

The star-studded line up for the concert includes music legends such as Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Ian Brown, The Charlatans, Echo and the Bunnymen and McCalmont and Butler.

The concert, organised by The Smiths’ Andy Rourke and his charity the Great Northern Aid Trust, is all about raising money for cancer research and awareness. Caroline Shaw, Chief Executive of the Christie Hospital, one of the charities benefiting from this year’s concert, commented: “The concert promises to be an amazing event and the line-up announced so far looks fantastic. We are delighted that the Christie is one of the beneficiaries of the concert again this year.”

On confirming Weller, Andy said: “We’re over the moon that Paul has agreed to play. We went to see him backstage at his Manchester gig late last year and its all come from there. It’ll definitely be a night to remember.”

Last year’s line up was one of the most talked about of the year, featuring several World exclusives and unique collaborations from the likes of New Order, Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke, Doves and Badly Drawn Boy.

Speculation is already rife as to the collaborations set to take place at this year’s concert, with Weller having already confirmed he’s set to team up with Tim Burgess, lead singer with The Charlatans.

Versus Cancer are also proud to announce the support of Bench in helping stage the concert. Talking about their partnership Andy said: “Bench coming on board is a massive plus for us. Having a company like this step up and help out with the cost of putting on the concert means that more of the money raised can go towards helping people with cancer.”

Extra tickets have been released to cope with the expected surge in demand, including sought after standing tickets, and are available now priced £40.

See www.versuscancer.org for further information or to buy tickets go to: www.seetickets.com, www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.ticketline.co.uk