THE major music event being organised to raise money for York Wasps has been pencilled in for Saturday, June 1 at York's Barbican Centre.

City of York Council have agreed to allow the organisers to use the prestigious city centre venue for free, giving the 'Keep Wasps Buzzing Campaign' a major boost.

Wasps fan and upcoming musician Andy Hall has lined up 15 local bands to play separate sets at the one-off event, which has been labelled "WaspAid 2002".

One potential stumbling block is the amount it would cost to staff and market the bash, which is likely to be about £2,500. However, Hall is hopeful that that cost could be reduced or that sponsors come in to help out, especially as the event is being seen as a major showcase of local musical talent.

If the exciting band-athon goes ahead, the money raised would go to the Wasps supporters' fund, the aim of which is to resurrect the professional rugby club and enable them to play out the remainder of the Northern Ford Premiership season.

Fans are trying to form a supporters' trust to take on the running of the club and get it readmitted to the Rugby Football League for when the NFP campaign resumes in June.

Council leisure chief Charlie Croft said the council were happy to allocate one of the Barbican's free slots for "WaspAid" and added: "The council want to support the Wasps fans' body in whatever practical ways we can and help them to get York Wasps back on the road."

Fans' leader Gary Hall said: "We can only thank the council for giving us the Barbican and we hope the costs of staffing the event won't be too much of a stumbling block."

Meanwhile, Wasps fans are also organising a fund-raising dinner auction at which various sporting memorabilia would be put up as lots. Goodies have already come from Castleford Tigers and Sport England and other top clubs are being contacted. All donations will be welcome. Contact Gary Hall on 634902 for details.

Updated: 12:24 Friday, April 05, 2002