A PUB landlord is hoping to raise awareness of mental health struggles with an all-day soul music event.

Derek Gallagher, landlord of the Queen Elizabeth pub in Fletcher Street, has previously taken part in charity events, raising £3,000 in 2020 for Bolton Hospice.

He is also planning on a daredevil wing-walk for the same charity.

But this time, Derek is turning his attention to raising awareness for mental health struggles, after having time to reflect on his own emotions during lockdown.

He said: “With everything that has happened during lockdown and lots of people struggling wit it, we are trying to raise awareness of mental health.

“It has affected me a bit during lockdown - it’s just like a black hole. I’ve seen friends affected by it too and it has really opened my eyes to what people can go through. It is something I hadn’t thought much about before but I have seen it firsthand now and I wanted to do my bit.”

The Queen Lizzie ‘Soul in One’ event is due to take place on Saturday, March 13, from 1pm. The 12-hour event will feature classic soul and Motown hits, with viewers able to tune in online.

The pub and its charity disc spinners are hoping to raise thousands for MIND Lancashire.

Derek hopes if people drop in for just a short amount of time and donate even a small amount, “a few pounds here and there will go a long way.”

Derek will present the whole show and is excited for the depth of talent on display.

He said: “I’ve travelled the length and breadth of the country to DJ various soul events and this one goes much further afield. There will be thousands watching and I know people from abroad that will be joining in. There will be 20 DJs from all across the UK - Scotland, Wales, Ireland - and we will just be playing non-stop soul and Motown. Anyone and everyone is welcome.”

For more, search for ‘Queen Lizzie soul in one’ on Facebook.