THE major music event in aid of York Wasps has been boosted by an Escrick clothing firm who are to make 'T'-shirts to mark the event - with a cut of the proceeds going to the Wasps' fund.

The company, I Was There Clothing, already has strong links with rugby league, having produced shirts for last year's Ashes tour and Challenge Cup final and also getting involved in the York Golden Jubilee RL Festival, to be held on June 3.

It has now backed the multi-band concert at York's Barbican Centre - WaspAid 2002 - to be a success by offering its services without cost to the organisers.

WaspAid chief organiser Andy Hall said: "I Was There will produce, promote and sell the 'T'-shirts and give us royalties for each one sold, which is good because it means we don't have to fork out cash.

"The company obviously think the event will be a success and this deal will benefit us both."

I Was There proprietor Mark Moisley said: "We're getting involved because the Wasps are our local club and we will all benefit in the future if we can keep them going.

"We've done a lot of work with rugby league and this is a chance for us to put something back in. We will be working on a minimal margin so a lot of the proceeds will go to the Wasps."

The gig, being held to raise funds for the Wasps and boost the club's chances of getting readmitted to the Rugby Football League, has already seen City of York Council loan out the city's premier music venue, the Barbican, for free on Saturday, June 1.

Furthermore, more than 50 upcoming bands - most from York but others from as far afield as Manchester - had wanted to perform at the event, all for free.

However, the initial idea of having up to 30 bands play from 2pm onwards - making it one of the biggest-ever indoor music events in England - has had to be shelved as the Barbican's facilities are in use during the afternoon.

Nine bands have now been chosen to play on the main stage from 7pm until close, each doing a half-hour set, while provisionally 12 more have been lined up to play acoustic sets in the foyer.

Hall explained that, as so many bands had wanted to take part, the main line-up had to be decided by a draw.

He admitted some bands were disappointed not to be involved, but said if WaspAid proved a success, the event could be repeated in the future or even be staged annually.

He added: "It might prove to be an even better event if it's condensed to an evening, especially as we wouldn't have use of the bar during the day. It will be excellent. I'm really looking forward to it."

Ticket prices have yet to be decided.

Any individual or company willing to sponsor the event in any way, for example as a main backer or by taking up page-space in the commemorative programme, should contact Andy Hall on 01904 796444 or 07748 941239, or email griffinsbridge@hotmail.com

Updated: 11:53 Thursday, April 25, 2002