A SWINDON singer with a number-one single to his name will perform in a charity rock concert to raise awareness of Crohn’s disease.

Pinehurst singer Josh Kumra, who topped the charts in 2011 with his Wretch32 collaboration, Don’t Go, will headline the Moonfest concert, to be held at the Moonrakers pub, in Cricklade Road, on May 16.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Crohn’s and Colitis UK charity, which provides help and support to those with the conditions and also conducts vital research.

Former Headlands school pupil Josh was persuaded to take part by Moonfest organisers Simon and Clara Haakerson, of Northern Road.

Simon said it was a coup to secure the talented Josh for the evening event which will feature the cream of town music talent.

“We had in our heads that we wanted Josh to perform,” he said.

“He’s a friend of the family, and he was the ultimate because he is so talented and a nice boy.

“When he confirmed we realised it was going to be a special event.

"We just want people to come to the gig, have some fun, have a drink and a laugh.

“We’ve done a few things in the past and it’s come together really quickly.

"It really is like a mini festival due the number of acts we have on.”

The gig will be a family affair, with dad Simon rocking out as lead singer of rock band Oscillator.

Town bands White Lilac, Zero Return, and The Summits are also on the bill for the six-hour show.

The musical family was inspired to step on to the stage after 19-year-old Jasmine was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was just 11.

The teen, who is studying film at New College and hopes to attend UWE in the autumn, said the condition is something she learned to live with.

“I have flare ups and I have days where I’m in a lot of pain but it is manageable,” she said.

“This is a chance to raise awareness about the condition and for everyone to rock out at the same time.

“I want this event to be something fun that people can enjoy. It’s exciting that it’s going to happen and I can’t wait.”

Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss and a number of other problems.

There is currently no cure for the condition but it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication such as tablets and self-injections.

The condition has gained prominence through celebrity sufferers, singer Anastasia and The Only Way Is Essex star, Sam Faiers.

Tickets are £10 and are available from the Moonrakers on 01793 721017.