Chvrches, Mogwai, The Twilight Sad members sign up for Big Sell charity event
Members of some of Scotland’s top bands will join Big Issue sellers on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh next month in support of the International Network of Street Papers, as part of the second annual Big Sell sponsored sale of the magazine.
Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches, James Graham of The Twilight Sad, and Mogwai guitarist Stuart Braithwaite are among a host of famous faces who will spend an hour selling the magazine on 4 and 5 Feb. The Big Sell event, part of #VendorWeek and organised by the Glasgow-based INSP, aims to raise awareness and funds for the charity, as well as boost sales of The Big Issue.
The inaugural Big Sell raised over £25,000 for INSP with author Alan Bissett and comedian Greg McHugh among those taking part, but was not without controversy – the event saw MSP Humza Yousaf racially abused by a passer-by while aiding the charity effort outside Glasgow’s Queen Street station.
Announcing her involvement, Mayberry said: “Schemes like these empower people dealing with unemployment and homelessness to help themselves and change their circumstances, and I hope we can raise a lot of money to help continue this important work.”
Twilight Sad frontman Graham remarked: “I can't remember a time where The Big Issue hasn't been around, and to me, that means it is being consistently helpful and successful in getting people back on the road to full time employment. An hour out of my day is the least I can do and £2.50 out of your pocket isn't that much for a good read with the added bonus of knowing you are really helping someone.”
Mayberry, Graham and Braithwaite are joined by comedians Robert Florence, Iain Connell and Janey Godley, and fellow musicians Kyle Falconer of The View and all four members of Glasgow-based emo-rockers Twin Atlantic – Sam McTrusty, Barry McKenna, Ross McNae and Craig Kneale. The Big Sell, part of INSP's #VendorWeek, runs from 2-8 Feb across the UK, with Scottish celebrities taking part on 4 and 5 Feb.