ONE of Southampton's best known music venues is hosting a fundraising night in aid of refugees fleeing the Middle East.

Aaron Ballard, who was once homeless himself, has organised a series of acts to play at RefuFest tomorrow night(Saturday September 26) at The Joiners.

He joined forces with friends, including Jane Hodgson, to put on the event after seeing horrifying images of Syrian refugees on the news.

Revellers can look forward to not just live music at the St Mary Street venue but free food too along with comedians and a raffle featuring prizes from free haircuts to bottles of bubbly.

Southampton DJ and festival organiser Rob Da Bank has donated two weekend Bestival tickets for next year’s festival – worth £380 – for the raffle.

“I lived in a tent, so I know what it’s like and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” said Aaron.

Daily Echo: The Joiners

“You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck if you come along. Don’t watch the X Factor this Saturday, get up off your bum and get down to the Joiners.

"Your £6 entry fee will go a long long way to helping people in need and you’ll have a great night guaranteed too, and who knows you could be off to Bestival next year for free.”

The line-up sees bands and performers from across the south gracing the stage from 7pm.

Beatboxer and solo artist Remedysounds leads the charge with his vocal talent before other acts such as Just Millie along with The Lion and the Wolf taking up their part on the bill.

Opening the show and setting the tone will be the ever popular Southampton Ukulele Jam and songstress Mee and the Band from 7pm.

Host Alex Dawson and comedian Aidan Goatley will be keeping the atmosphere upbeat during set changes.

Doors open from 7pm to midnight. Tickets cost £6 on the door or £5 in advance from: eventbrite.com/e/refufest-in-support-of-refugees-tickets-18703700271.

Raffle tickets cost £2 each and food is free with a suggested donation of £3 on a first come, first served basis.

All profits from the event will go towards Southampton Action Group, which was set up earlier this month to help refugees across Europe.

The group has already held a donation drive, based at St Denys Church, and handed over supplies to CalAid, another charity which delivered them to migrants at the French port of Calais.

Donate to Refufest at gofundme.com/6r4d79em.