20 November 2009

Surprise appearance by an Arctic Monkey at Little Noise

One of the highlights of this year's Little Noise Sessions has been a surprise appearance by Alex Turner

BBC Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley hosts the Little Noise Sessions each year, raising money and awareness for Mencap. The acoustic gigs take place in the intimate surroundings of Islington's Union Chapel.

This year the gigs feature big names such as Editors, Mika, Alexandra Burke, Lost Prophets, David Gray, and Florence + the Machine.

Highlights so far include a surprise appearance by Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, who played two new songs and joined Richard Hawley on stage to cover his song 'Only Ones Who Know'.

Mathew Horne, a Mencap ambassador, who like Jo Whiley has a sibling with a learning disability, appeared on the opening night to introduce Editors. He said he had "grown up with Mencap" so understood the importance of its work.

"Money raised from Little Noise Sessions goes towards supporting Mencap's arts award scheme," said Helen Bamford, events project manager. "We are incredibly grateful to Jo Whiley and all of the artists involved for their support."

Find out more on the Little Noise Sessions website