Over 5,000 people are expected to turn up at the YMCA Bob Geldof concert tomorrow night, said YMCA coordinator Jean-Paul Mifsud yesterday.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Mifsud explained that the concert will raise funds for YMCA Valletta.

Local bands Carrie and Band, Ira Losco and Winter Moods will also perform with UK tribute bands for Coldplay, U2 and Queen as supporting bands.

To help continue raising funds for the concert, YMCA obtained permission to film the entire concert.

This concert is the first of its kind – with the largest set up for local rock bands led by an international star, said Mr Mifsud. The concert will be held tomorrow at Fort Manoel, on Manoel Island and is sponsored by Vodafone, Midi and HSBC. Doors open at 6 pm.

Bob Geldof and his band enjoyed huge success with singles such Rat Trap and its follow-up I Don’t Like Mondays. Mr Geldof released a number of solo albums and is known for his global campaigning against poverty, especially through the Live 8 concert.

YMCA assists many different groups of people including troubled families, homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence and people living in substandard accommodation.

Mr Mifsud said that YMCA deals with approximately 50 individuals every day, while more than 20 people take shelter at YMCA Homeless Shelter Dar Niki Cassar.

“The large majority of these social cases are women and children,” said Mr Mifsud.

Since YMCA launched the Twelve Appeal last May, there was an increase of 10 to 15 per cent of social cases seeking help at YMCA, said Mr Mifsud.

“We are aiming to collect Lm30,000 through this campaign,” he said. “Last year, over 9,000 people benefited from the YMCA homeless though 6,405 interventions.”

Parking will be available close by on Manoel Island.

The last few tickets are available at all Vodafone outlets and on the ticket hotline: 99280606