The Enemy launch the Vinvolved youth action scheme

The Enemy swapped guitars for garden tools to plant trees and spruce up a housing estate to mark the start of England's biggest ever youth action scheme: called Vinvolved, which aims to get more people into volunteering in their local communities.

The band announced they are to headline a 1940's inspired 'Ballroom Blitz' free intimate gig the Bloomsbury Ballroom, London on Wednesday 30th April aimed at encouraging young fans to sign up to volunteer.

Speaking about the new v scheme The Enemy lead singer Tom Clarke said, "Projects like this bring green trees to grey spaces. Just giving up a bit of our time opened our eyes to the difference volunteers can make to ordinary people's lives. Young people get a bad press but schemes like this are challenging that negative image. Volunteering at festivals is great but there are so many other projects people should know about so we were really pleased to be asked to headline the vinvolved gig to raise awareness of the opportunities that are out there."

The first vinvolved gig sees The Rumble Strips, Martina Topley-Bird, The Thirst and Bloc Party (DJ set) joining The Enemy, and DJ host Dave Berry on the bill for the event, which aims to raise awareness of Vinvolved. From today hundreds of new vinvolved projects across the country will open their doors to get 16-25 year olds positively involved in their communities. The new projects will offer diverse opportunities in areas such as music, mentoring, sport and the environment.

Tickets for the one-off gig will be available to people who sign up to Vinvolved. Anyone aged 18-25 who already volunteers or is interested in volunteering can enter a draw for free tickets for the gig by registering on the charity's website www.vinvolved.com. In addition there are two pairs of VIP tickets up for grabs. The VIP package includes transport, accommodation, dinner for two and a 1940's makeover before the gig at the Bloomsbury Ballroom.

For more information about vinvolved and the Ballroom Blitz Party visit www.vinvolved.com. For more information about the v youth volunteering charity visit www.wearev.com.

FUTURE GIGS