Tinchy Stryder to play The 02 arena for education charity

A host of music and dance acts are lined up to play The 02 arena this summer as part of first birthday celebrations for children's charity the Transformation Trust which provides extra-curricular activities, including music, drama and sport, in state schools in some of the most deprived parts of the country.

East London born rapper Tinchy Stryder will headline in front of up to 14,000 young people from schools across England who have been invited to the free gig on Tuesday 13 July to mark the first year of the Transformation Trust's activities.

The Trust – which has already raised in excess of £2 million – aims to give young people access to opportunities and experiences that will help develop new skills, grow in confidence, learn to work as a team, and discover hidden talents. Schools can choose from a range of extra-curricular activities, giving pupils in state schools access to the kinds of activities usually only available in the independent sector.

Tinchy Stryder said: "I was lucky to get support in music from my family, friends and others, but a lot of young people don't. That's why I'm pleased to join the Transformation Trust and all the schools they work with and celebrate its first birthday at The 02."

X Factor finalist Stacey Solomon will also perform at the event, leading The 02 crowd in a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to the mark the first anniversary of the Transformation Trust.

Other acts confirmed for the gig include British dance crews Status and Unity, who both made the semi-finals of Sky's Got to Dance earlier this year. Status, UK Street Dance Champions 2009/2010, also appear in StreetDance 3D which in cinemas now.

For more information about the Transformation Trust, find us on Facebook or our website www.transformationtrust.org.uk/