LIVE music will be playing for a good cause this evening as bands, soloists and musicians of all varieties unite in Bolton.

From 4pm today Nelson Square will be alive with music as venues in the town centre hub work together to raise funds for the victims of the Manchester Arena bomb.

Over 30 performers from around the North West have got behind the We Love Manchester Charity Fundraiser to take to the stage at Oscars Bar and Nightclub, Blind Tiger, The Bar and The Dragonfly.

Oscars owner Steve Hoyle said: "We are hoping it will be a great event, we've had a massive response from performers and people who will be volunteers.

"It is a fantastic gathering to be fair! The town needs a bit of an up-lift and hopefully people will see what we can do. If we could have gone bigger we would.

"We want to do something positive after the events in May and everyone has really got behind it.

"There will be lots of different kinds of music across the night, with different genres all the way through.

"It is great to see all the North west artists get together, it is great for Bolton and the good cause!"

Oscars will be hosting 17 acts, with 12 at Dragonfly and another 12 at The Bar.

There will be soloists, bands and tribute acts taking to the stages, with anything from acoustics sessions to indie and rock.

At the Blind Tiger live music starts at 8.30pm with famous Boltonians James Holt and Jade Assembly headlining.

Event manager Dawn Price said: "The Blind Tiger family were devastated by the events at the Manchester Arena in May and when asked if we would be involved in the We love Manchester fund raiser on Nelson square we had the immediate backing of The Jade Assembly and James Holt who will be performing on the night and we thank them for their support as always."

John Foster from the Jade Assembly added: "We're really honoured to be asked to play a gig for such an important cause -something that's very close to our hearts."

Money raised will go to the fund in aid of the Red Cross set up following the bomb attack which killed 22 people at the arena on May 22

Wristbands for the evening event cost £5 and are available on the door.

Organisers will also be fundraising with raffles and auctions, and the night's proceedings will be broadcast live via Facebook.

To find out more visit www.facebook.com/oscarsbarbolton.