Craig David is launching Give A Gig Week 2018.

Craig David

Craig David

The initiative helps to raise money for Youth Music, which helps children and young people in difficult circumstances by supplying them with the resources to make and enjoy music.

'Rise & Fall' hitmaker Craig will be taking part in the latest Give A Gig Week line-up from across the pond in Los Angeles, while other stars taking part include Pixie Lott, The Wombats, Newton Faulkner, Dream Wife, and Femme.

Craig said: "I'm very happy to be part of Give a Gig Week from as far away as LA, where I'll be making a donation from my shows there to support the great work Youth Music does. Music has transformed my life and I want all young people to have the chance to develop their musical creativity and achieve their ambitions.

"Youth Music has been providing these kinds of opportunities for years to young people facing difficult circumstances in their lives. I applaud the charity's emphasis on diversity and gender equality, and share its belief that all young people should have access to music-making regardless of background, gender or circumstances."

Give A Gig Week 2018 runs for 10 days from Friday March 16 to Sunday March 25.

Pixie, who will be curating a gig, organised with singer-songwriter Jocee, added: "Youth Music and I share a common interest in giving young musicians an opportunity to develop their musical creativity and talent. The charity does great work supporting young people who face difficult challenges in their lives which is why I'm very happy to be taking part."

This year's event will also see 100 choirs performing live music at 10 major railway station across England, including Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Leeds, Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, London Waterloo, London Kings Cross, London Paddington, London Bridge and London Victoria.

Anyone can sign up to take part in Give A Gig Week by holding a gig to raise money for Youth Music, be it in their own living room, or somewhere more unusual.

Gigs can be registered at www.giveagig.org.uk, where guides on planning, promoting and fundraising can also be found.