Benefit gig memorial to cult comic Sidebottom

Sidebottom was the stage name of Chris Sievey, the creator of the papier mache-headed character who had a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s and who died in June.

Mr Sievey was due to take part in Bridlington Comedy Festival and organisers have decided to hold a gig to raise money for cancer charities.

Frank Sidebottom – A Celebration, in Memorial of the Man, the Myth, the Head will be compered by Manchester comedian Phil Ellis.

The show will include an extended set from Charlie Chuck the stage name of British comedian David Kear, who started his career as a drummer in bands including the Small Faces, and then turned to stand-up comedy.

Show director Mel Fisher said: "Dave Kear was a close friend of Chris Sievey and they worked together on a number of occasions as Frank and Charlie. We are honoured that he has agreed to perform."

Mr Sievey, who was suffering from cancer, launched a single Three Shirts On My Line – a parody of the football anthem Three Lions – just a week before his death.

Caroline Aherne's Mrs Merton character started off as Frank Sidebottom's sidekick in Mr Sievey's successful Radio 4 series, Radio Timperley.

The DJ Mark Radcliffe was a member of Sidebottom's Oh Blimey Big Band, and Chris Evans once held the job as the character's driver.

The fundraising event will be held at the Expanse Hotel on South Marine Drive in Bridlington on Wednesday, July 28.

Doors open at 8.30pm and all tickets are 8 in advance from www.wegottickets.com and on the door.