LEGENDARY Hacienda DJ Graeme Park will be hitting the decks in Bolton to "Break the Silence" over mental health issues.

The DJ , who has been on the scene since the Manchester music revolution in the 1980s and early 90s, will be at The Bleachworks staging a benefit gig in aid of mental health charity Mind next month.

He said: "I have performed in Bolton before, actually earlier this week, and I have had great nights, professionally and personally, but mainly professionally.

"It is good to be playing in Bolton for an issue I feel strongly about.

"I have friends who have mental health issues and it very awkward for them to talk about them. It is about taking about it – breaking the silence – because you can't see if someone has mental health issues and it is removing the stigma surrounding mental health.

"It shouldn't be an issue, but attitudes can take a long time to change."

Graeme, who is gigging in Australia this week and is still a big name on the Manchester scene, was invited to launch the Break the Silence campaign staged by Bolton-based organisation Prosperity in Mind, which helps people with mental health issues.

He added: "Music is a great leveller, it brings people together, it gets them talking – someone might not like a piece of music another person might and they will discuss it – and one that didn't like it might come to think the way the other person does."

The DJ said he will decide what to play once he is at the venue.

"I play to the people in front of me, see what's the atmosphere is like. I want everyone to understand the importance of the night, leave with a smile on their face and maybe put their hands in the air!," he said.

He will headline the night with friend DJ and music producer Tony Cannon .

Dr David Lee, clinical psychologist at Mind, who lives in Bromley Cross, said: "We are really pleased. I am a fan and he will reach many people of all ages, many remember his Hacienda days and he is still gigging now. We want people to start talk about mental health issues."

Many other events, including a comedy night, are planned featuring other well known figures as part of the Break the Silence campaign.

The gig takes place on November 15, tickets are £12.50.

For more information visit www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bolton/The-Bleachworks/Break-the-silence/12256861/