Music for a cause: Birmingham concert to aid Punjab flood victims

The Punjab Flood Aid/Birmingham Bhangra Blast concert on September 26 at Luna Springs, Digbeth, is emerging as a focal moment for Britain’s Punjabi community’s response to devastating floods in Punjab.

Headline performers include UK-based DCS, Azaad and Pardesi Music Machine, joined by a wide line-up of around 20 acts ranging from Bhujanghy and Sadi Jori to DJ Mix Singh, Beats International, The Live Experience Band, Harvey Sahota, Apna Sangeet’s KSBhamrah, Bakshi Billa, Saini Surinder, Kamal Khaira and others.

Organisers report brisk sales of tickets for the open-air event, which aims to fuse culture and charity to send relief to thousands suffering across Punjab. Tickets range from GBP 17 to 35 (Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,700), with proceeds pledged to Khalsa Aid International and other trusted relief organisations.

Digbeth, once the Victorian industrial heart of Birmingham with its factories, canals and warehouses, has in recent years transformed into the city’s creative quarter. Known for its street art, independent bars, and live music venues like Luna Springs, it has become a cultural hub akin to Shoreditch in London or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Staging the concert there underlines the mix of heritage and creativity that defines today’s Punjabi diaspora in Britain.

Concert organisers say, “Together, we can help rebuild Punjab. All proceeds will be going directly to trusted organisations…” Punjab2000, one of the partners, echoed this on social media: “All proceeds will be going directly to trusted organisations who are working on the ground to provide emergency aid and long-term support.”

Punjab2000’s role underlines how the fundraiser is being mobilised. Founded in the early 2000s as an online hub for Bhangra, Punjabi film, and diaspora news, it has since evolved into a promotions and media company with a strong social media following. Directed by Tejinder Singh Sohansoha, Punjab2000 has become a trusted outlet for spreading cultural messages and rallying community support. In this case, its platforms are being used to drive awareness, promote ticket sales, and amplify the humanitarian appeal behind the Birmingham concert.

Main organiser Satnam Tank commented, “Due to recent events, Punjab is in crisis right now. That’s why we as the Bhangra music industry have decided to come together for the Punjab Flood Aid fundraiser to help Punjab during this difficult period.” Asked by The Tribune how the public was responding, he said organisers expected the concert to be a sell-out.

Tubsy Dholki Walla, manager of The Live Experience Band that will be performing at the concert, said, “Artists and musicians don’t just have a duty to entertain people. We also have a duty to contribute to the community to raise funds when the community needs us.”

Community members have responded with urgency. On social media linked to Punjab2000, one supporter wrote: “The floods were the worst ever, that’s the third flood in 5-6 years, which is breaking people’s spirits more than anything!”

Another Instagram follower added: “It’s absolutely heart wrenching to see the chaos that Punjab has been experiencing. My prayers and ardass goes out to everyone tackling this.”

The concert reflects a long tradition of music-driven humanitarianism. Just as Bob Geldof’s Band Aid single and Live Aid concerts in 1984-85 galvanised global action for famine-stricken Ethiopia, Punjabi musicians and promoters in Britain are hoping to harness their art to channel support for a homeland in crisis.

“This is our community’s Live Aid moment,” one organiser remarked. “The rhythm is Punjabi, but the message is universal: solidarity and relief.”

Charities are already at work. Khalsa Aid has been operating in Punjab since August, distributing food, clean water, and animal fodder. Its volunteers recently rescued more than 500 children trapped when the Ravi river burst its banks in Gurdaspur. UNITED SIKHS (UK) has raised more than GBP 30,800 (Rs 31.5 lakh), plus Gift Aid, through JustGiving, pledging to support families who lost homes, crops and livestock.

Faith institutions are central to the drive. Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick has launched a dedicated appeal, while the Guru Ravidass Gurdwara in Gravesend has collected GBP 10,604 (Rs 10.8 lakh). Sikh Sport UK has created its own GoFundMe to back sewadars delivering essentials and medical supplies.

UK-based political voices have joined in.

Slough MP Tan Dhesi urged governments to provide urgent relief “now and in future”. Birmingham MP Preet Kaur Gill said, “As the daughter of farmers, my heart is heavy seeing the devastation.”

The crisis has also drawn British media coverage. Sky News broadcast an interview with Khalsa Aid founder Ravi Singh, while the Guardian reported on Punjab’s “worst floods in three decades”, with more than 1,400 villages and 250,000 acres of farmland under water.

From the dhols and tumbas of Birmingham’s Digbeth to the muddy fields of Punjab, this fundraising drive signals how Britain’s Punjabi diaspora is mobilising. If Bob Geldof’s Live Aid was once the anthem of a generation, the Bhangra Blast may stand as today’s echo — proof that music, culture and solidarity can still move mountains, and perhaps, help drain floodwaters.