Since July 2019, there have been widespread fires across Australia's most populous state, New South Wales. For months, firefighters have been battling the devastating blazes, that have burned through over five million hectares of land, destroyed over two thousand homes and had devastating consequences on the wildlife.
The spread of the fires were made worse due to the year-long drought and record heat levels.
Thankfully, last weekend, the conditions changed, bringing the much needed rainfall. Although the amount of rain has caused flooding in places, it has also assisted in bringing the raging fires under control. On Thursday 13th February, the authorities were pleased to announce that every single fire in the state is now contained, meaning that the parameters of the fires are essentially trapped; while some areas are still alight, with the fires now under full control, a conclusion should follow soon.
At the beginning of January, Australia's largest promoter, TEG Dainty and TEG Live confirmed that the Fire Fight Australia benefit concert will take place at ANZ Stadium Sydney on 16th February 2020 to raise money for the National Bushfire Relief.
At the press release, TEG explained that "The benefit concert is a major musical event which will see globally renowned artists from Australia and around the world come together to perform and show solidarity with people whose lives have been disrupted by the bushfires.”
The concert is set to last for ten hours and is scheduled to start at 12:45 AEDT (01:45 GMT)
Amongst the artists performing, following their Saturday evening Rhapsody Tour performance at the stadium, Queen + Adam Lambert will return back to the stadium to perform a special set. They are due on at 20:10 AEDT (09:10 GMT)
How Can I Watch The Concert?
A LIVE television broadcast of the concert will be available in Australia, as Channel Seven and Foxtel Unite to produce the live broadcast, airing live on Channel 7 and 7plus, and FOX8 and Foxtel GO
Foxtel have also teamed up with Fox networks in the US, Sky in the UK and TVNZ in New Zealand, allowing the concert to reach global audiences and enhance the fundraising potential.
New Zealand audiences can live stream from 2pm NZST via TVNZ On Demand, with a highlights programme being broadcast on TVNZ1 on Monday at 7:30pm NZST
UK audiences can see a 90 minute highlights programme on Monday evening on Sky One at 8pm GMT
US audiences can see a special coverage event programme, hosted by Olivia-Newton John, scheduled to be broadcast on Saturday 29th February on Fox at 11pm ET/PT
Who Benefits and How Can I Donate?
Concert ticket proceeds from the concert will be shared between the following organisations to help fight the fires through “Rescue”, “Relief and Recovery” and “Rehabilitation”.
“Rescue” – Rural and regional fire services in affected states
“Relief and Recovery” – Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery
“Rehabilitation” – The RSPCA Bushfire Appeal
Fans can donate to bushfire relief through www.firefightaustralia.com