THE organisers of a candlelight music festival in memory of those killed in the bin lorry crash say they have been overwhelmed by

offers of support.

The festival, in July, is planned to take place on Glasgow Green and performers have been signing up since it was announced earlier this month.

The Candlelit Vigil Music Festival will feature acts on a main stage, including X-Factor runner-up Nicholas McDonald, Tom Urie, of River City, and singer Stephen McLaughlin. The Glasgow teenager got knocked out of talent show The Voice two weeks ago but received a letter from Rita Ora telling him not to give up on his dream of singing.

It will also include speakers, a memorial remembrance service and a funfair and rides.

Donations made on the day will go towards the Lord Provost's Queen Street Fund, launched after six people died and others were injured when a bin lorry mounted the pavement and crashed into the Millennium Hotel on December 22.

Seventeen-year-old Jamie Charlton, event founder, said he had a team of three in place and countless offers of support from volunteers and performers.

He said: "I have had a massive amount of support from people wanting to come forward to help out in some way or another.

"I have had loads of acts come forward saying that they want to perform at the event, so much so that I have had to create a backup list!

"This will be a celebration of the spirit and bravery of the Glasgow people during disasters such as this and Clutha. We also want to thank the emergency services for the excellent, and often unrecognised work they do. The festival is an open event, not tickets, it will just be donations on the day."

The festival, which is yet to have a date confirmed, will run from 1pm to 11pm.

The Rothesay student was involved in organising the two minute silence held in Glasgow in the aftermath of the tragedy.

He said he 'just wanted to do something to help remember' those who were killed.

One of those helping him is Ryan McNaughton. He said: "I am overwhelmed by the mass support that we have received over the past few weeks. "I am very excited to head up the team for such a worthy cause. I feel the event will show the fantastic spirit and strength of the people of Glasgow. We have seen two heart-breaking tragedies in the space of 14 months and through both, we came together as a community and supported each other.

"I believe it is time to come together on a larger scale and show everyone we can stand together, even though the toughest of times!"

The two said they were being helped by many good-will gestures, with many local organisations and businesses coming on board to provide services free of charge.

Jamie also hopes money raised from the day long festival could go towards a memorial bench in George Square.

He is still in talks with Glasgow City Council about using the Glasgow Green site.

A council spokesman confirmed they had held initial talks.

See www.facebook.com/CLVMF or http://officiallclvmf2015.weebly.com.