THE stars are turning out in force in a special tribute to the memory of Blackpool-born keyboard wizard Colin Hadley this Saturday (Oct 20) which will also boost local charities.

The special show, a midnight matinee, will be staged at the North Pier and will see headliners Joe Longthorne, Roy Chubby Brown and the Grumbleweeds joined by Johnnie Casson and Mick Miller.

The charity gala aims to raise up to £10,000 for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal, Fylde School of Music, Queendeans and the Trinity Hospice.

Colin Hadley was musical director for Joe Longthorne and lost his battle against cancer last month.

Tony Jo said: "This is a one-off, never-to-be repeated experience and promises to be the best show of the season.

"As part of the show, there will be a brief auction by the stars. There are only a few prizes up for grabs, but these are some truly fabulous packages."

They include an executive package for four people to visit any Manchester United home league game this season.

As well as prime seats at Old Trafford, this prize includes a four-course meal, free bar and a stadium tour as well as the chance to meet the team, including top players like David Beckham.

Putting the punch into another prize will be a six-feet tall statue of a heavyweight boxer donated by Gary Dean, managing director of Poulton-based Elletson Publishing.

A valuable picture of the Titanic signed by one of the last surviving passengers is also on offer as are tickets to see top show Miss Saigon.

Produced and directed by Joe Longthorne, Tony Jo of the Grumbleweeds and Johnnie Casson, the show will feature a host of stars from North and Central piers, the Grand Theatre and the Tower as well as the Winter Gardens and other top venues across the resort.

Tickets aret £10 each and there are also a few VIP sponsored tickets for front stall seats and a VIP supper with the stars. They are available from the Blackpool Live booking offices on tel: (01253) 292029.