Years & Years to play special unplugged Christmas show exclusively for charity Shelter

Chart topping pop trio, Years & Years, are to headline a one-off acoustic gig at Islington's Union Chapel on Monday 12 December at 7pm, in aid of housing and homelessness charity Shelter.

The show will see Years & Years take to the stage with a stripped back performance, to raise funds for the charity's urgent appeal to help all those fighting bad housing and homelessness this Christmas. They will be supported by some very special guests, and the night will feature one-off collaborations.

Frontman, Olly Alexander, said: "We're linking up with Shelter for the first time and putting on a cute intimate performance to help mark their 50th anniversary :) We're hoping our fans will come see us and show support for Shelter's amazing work. It's going to be a special night.

"No child should have to face homelessness at any time, let alone Christmas. As a band, we're well aware of the incredible work that Shelter does, and we're very, very happy to be able to do our part to help them make sure no-one is left to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own."

Tickets for the performance, priced at £30, are available via ballot. To enter the ballot, visit the website – www.shelter.org.uk/yearsandyears the ballot closes at12pm on 1st December and successful applicants will be notified from 2nd December. All of the money raised will go directly to Shelter.
50 years since the charity was first founded, sadly over 120,000 children will wake up homeless and living in temporary accommodation this Christmas morning – the highest number since 2007.

The charity's advisers work tirelessly every day of the year – including Christmas Day – to support families across the country battling to keep a roof over their heads.

Campbell Robb, Shelter's chief executive said: "This is a fantastic way to help Shelter this Christmas, and enjoy an exclusive performance from Years and Years – who we're thrilled to have supporting us for the first time. News of the devastating rise in homeless children will bring heartache to millions of people across Britain. But the sad fact is, fifty years since Shelter was founded, too many families still need our help.  

Every penny raised from this very special acoustic gig will help Shelter to continue to be there for the thousands of families facing homelessness this Christmas."

To support Shelter's urgent Christmas appeal please visit www.shelter.org.uk or text SHELTER to 70555 to donate £3.