Paul Weller, Chrissie Hynde and Madness frontman Suggs rocked Alexandra Palace at the launch of a charity boosting chances for young people in North London.

The star-studded special; One Step Beyond with Suggs and Friends, was in aid of Horizons Charity which offers access to extra curricular arts, sport, tech and mentoring for children in more than 105 schools.

Founded this year by Haringey Education Partnership, it aims to give a more equal start to 35,000 young people across Haringey and Enfield.

Before last Thursday's event (October 28), pupils from Highgate Wood School and The Willow in Tottenham met Horizons ambassadors Suggs and author Charlie Higson for a screening of the film they created for the launch.This Is Local London: Children from Highgate Wood and The Willow schools met Horizon Ambassadors Suggs and Charlie Higson ahead of the one off charity launch at Ally PallyChildren from Highgate Wood and The Willow schools met Horizon Ambassadors Suggs and Charlie Higson ahead of the one off charity launch at Ally Pally (Image: Dave Nelson)

The youngsters, who are benefitting from Horizons' work, were also given a tour of the Victorian Theatre to learn about its history as it turns 150 this year.

Suggs who attended Quintin Kynaston school - now Harris Academy in St John's Wood - and formed Madness with pupils from Hampstead School, hosted the night and performed hits including ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘Our House’ and ‘It Must Be Love’.

He said: “The launch event was a great success. It was great to share the stage with some incredible artists from the local area and beyond and to showcase the work of the charity. In the current climate, it is so important to give all young people opportunities to achieve their dreams and find success through extracurricular activities, music, sport and so much more. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made the event possible”

He was joined by 'modfather' Paul Weller for their single ‘OOH DO U FINK U R’ followed by the former Jam and Style Council singer performing his hits ‘You Do Something To Me’, ‘Gravity’ and ‘Shout To The Top’.This Is Local London: Chrissie Hynde played a set of the Pretender's greatest hits at the launch of youth charity HorizonsChrissie Hynde played a set of the Pretender's greatest hits at the launch of youth charity Horizons (Image: Dave Nelson)

Then it was the turn of Pretenders singer-songwriter Hynde to perform her hits: ‘2000 Miles’, ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ and ‘Middle Of The Road’ before Tottenham-based artist Miraa May delivered a lively set, and former City and Islington College pupil Tiana Major9 treated the audience to her track ‘Safe Space’ and a cover of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Love Is A Losing Game’. Soul singer Leah Weller sang ‘Wonder’ and a cover of Childish Gambino’s ‘Redbone’.This Is Local London: As charity ambassador Madness frontman Suggs hosted the eveningAs charity ambassador Madness frontman Suggs hosted the evening (Image: Dave Nelson)

Horizons focuses on the most diverse and disadvantaged areas where Covid has exacerbated existing inequalities and created a need to support children to thrive beyond the school gates. Partner organisations include The BRIT School, Football Beyond Borders, Haringey Music Service, and Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.This Is Local London: Paul Weller played hits including Gravity and Shout to the TopPaul Weller played hits including Gravity and Shout to the Top (Image: Dave Nelson)

A charity spokesperson said: "With school budgets under enormous pressure, we can make a powerful difference to the lives of children and young people who would not otherwise access these critical development opportunities."This Is Local London: Tiana Major9, Leah Weller and Miraa May also performed at the charity eventTiana Major9, Leah Weller and Miraa May also performed at the charity event (Image: Dave Nelson)

https://horizonscharity.org/