Squeeze call on fans to support local food banks at Leeds show

Squeeze are calling on fans who are heading to their huge arena show in Leeds this month to support local food banks.

The legendary British band will be playing the First Direct Arena in just over a week’s time as part of their Tried, Tested and Trixies Tour on Friday, November 20. Billy Bragg is joining the group as very special guest for the shows.

Alongside the music, Squeeze will continue a longstanding commitment to supporting people struggling to afford the essentials. Collection points will be available at venues throughout the tour, where concertgoers can donate non-perishable food items or make financial contributions.

Donations will go to local food banks in Trussell's community, helping provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship.

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Squeeze’s lead singer Glenn Tilbrook said: "When I first started collecting for food banks back in 2018, I had no idea how much our fans would take it to heart. The response has been overwhelming, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together.

“But it's deeply troubling that, eight years later, so many people are still struggling to put food on the table. The need hasn't gone away, and neither has our determination to help. If you're coming to see us, please bring something along if you can, whether it's a few tins of food or a couple of pounds.

“The audiences have been brilliant in the past, and I'm hoping we can make this our biggest collection yet."

Co-founder of the band Chris Difford added: "Our fans have been absolutely incredible in the way they've supported Trussell over the years. It's genuinely moving to see people arriving at our shows carrying bags of food, knowing that what they've brought will help someone in the local community.

“We've always been very lucky to have such loyal and generous audiences, and this is another reminder of just how special they are. We're hoping everyone will get behind the collections again on this tour. Even a small donation can make a real difference."

The initiative continues a relationship that began in 2018, when Glenn Tilbrook first started collecting donations for Trussell at his solo shows. Squeeze subsequently embraced the cause on their UK tours, with the generosity of their audiences helping to make a tangible difference to communities across the country.

To date, fans attending Squeeze and Glenn Tilbrook shows have donated an extraordinary 5.15 tons of food and raised £72,552 for Trussell's community of food banks.

Emma Revie, co-chief executive of Trussell, said: “Too many people this winter will be struggling to make ends meet, as families are forced to make impossible decisions like whether to put food on the table or turn their heating on.

“Shockingly, we expect our community of food banks to distribute around 600,000 emergency food parcels to people facing hunger and hardship this winter. This isn’t right, and we refuse to stand by while so many of us can’t afford to eat, keep warm and pay the bills.

“That’s why we are so grateful to Squeeze for supporting Trussell once again on their upcoming tour. The band and their fans' generosity will make a huge difference and allow our food banks to continue providing vital support to people without enough money to live on.”

The appeal comes as food banks across the UK continue to face enormous pressure, with winter traditionally bringing increased demand as households struggle with the rising costs of heating, food and other essentials.

At each show on the Tried, Tested and Trixies Tour, audience members will be encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food, which will be collected and passed on to local food banks.

Suggested items include tinned vegetables, fruit, meat and fish, soup, beans and pulses, pasta, rice, cereal, pasta sauces, tinned tomatoes, long-life milk, fruit juice, tea, coffee and biscuits. Toiletries and essential hygiene products may also be welcomed, depending on local requirements.

Fans are encouraged to check what their local food bank needs most before donating. Further information can be found via Trussell's food donation guidance. For those unable to bring food, monetary donations will also be welcomed at the shows, enabling food banks to purchase essential supplies and respond to local needs.