A gig showcasing some of Norwich's top musical talent will raise money for a Down's Syndrome charity.

Organisers hope to raise £1,000 from the event at the The Brickmakers in Sprowston, which will be put towards a support DVD for families with children who have the condition.

The event is the idea of Costessey musician Phil Davison, whose Energy function band will lead the gig on Thursday.

He decided to use the band's regular showcase gig to raise money.

'We do showcase concerts every five or six weeks, where people who want to book us can see us perform, but we wanted to convert this one into something more exciting and do some good,' said Mr Davison, 36, of Lime Tree Avenue.

'Then we had the idea of inviting lots of top quality musicians to play with us.

'It's an opportunity for us to put on a fantastic musical bonanza and raise money for a good cause.'

Mr Davison chose to raise money for Down's Syndrome Norfolk after getting to know regulars at The Trafford Arms, the pub run by his parents.

'We've had some regular Down's Syndrome customers in the pub for a long time, and I have grown fond of them and affiliated with them,' he said.

'I feel that I can identify with the condition because I have been around people with it.'

The gig will see the acts collaborating, leading to some unusual arrangements and up to nine musicians on the stage at once.

'Most of the performers are in high-quality function bands, so it's an opportunity to see some brilliant local talent which you otherwise may not see together in one night,' said Mr Davison.

As well as the Energy Function Band, the gig will feature Mahc and Jayne of Dynamite, Cath Evans of Ignite and Kubko, Malcolm Jackson of Keno Kings, Toby Jones of the Elevators, Al Watts of Beat Connection, Jimbo of Steamy Dan, Gary Winter, Ron Sayer Jr and Charlotte Joyce.

The Energy function band is also searching for a new female lead singer as it expands from a five-piece to a six-piece outfit.

The gig is at 8pm on Thursday at The Brickmakers, Sprowston Road.

Tickets are £5 and are available from The Brickmakers and The Trafford Arms, Grove Road, or from Phil Davison on 07881 936654.