AN event at Thurrock's Thameside Theatre this evening (Monday, 24 October) will highlight the launch of what a local songwriter and performer hopes will become England's latest football anthem.

Richy Hughes from Orsett is one of a trio of winning songwriters who have come up with a tune to celebrate England's appearance in the World Cup in Qatar, which is now just a few weeks away.

Tonight, the song 'Stick Another Star on the Shirt' will get its world premier at the Thameside. Local people are invited to attend the event (admission is free). It starts at 7.30pm.

It is performed by 'The 12th Man' a trio including Richy, Scott Dean and Luke Bateman – friend who who sing their hearts out from the England Supporters' Club end at every Wembley home game.

This new collaboration captures their passion for footy and music, and is set to take its place in the canon of classic England anthems.

'Stick Another Star On The Shirt' celebrates the tradition of a national team emblazoning their playing shirts with a star for each World Cup tournament they have won.

Since 1966, England has had a solitary star shining down on the three lions.

Combining nostalgia for classic England kits of the past with hope for a glorious future, the song is set to become the England anthem of 2022.

advertisement

The 12th Man is thrilled to partner with The Jeff Astle Foundation which will benefit from the catchy new tune.

Launched on April 11 2015 by the former England forward's family, The Jeff Astle Foundation is a fitting and lasting legacy to both raise awareness of brain injury in all forms of sport, and to offer much needed support to those affected.

A share of all music sales, streaming and downloads of the song will be donated to the Jeff Astle Foundation.

Jeff's daughter Dawn says, "We are so pleased to fully support this fantastic World Cup song and thrilled that our new partnership with The 12th Man will help us continue to raise awareness of the dangers of head injury and repeated head trauma.

"Sporting brain injury is such a serious issue that can affect all ages. We all know the benefits of sports participation, but brain damage must never be seen as an acceptable consequence."

Filming the video at Orsett School.

Tonight's event at the Thameside will feature a video which includes local people who took part in a day of filming at Orsett School in August.

advertisement

On Friday (28 October), the song and video will drop on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and Amazon Music.

Fans are able to pre-save the track now using a QR code below, ensuring it is added to their Spotify library the moment the track is released.

Richy, who has written and produced songs for many shows in the West End and picked up top awards in the music industry, says: "The Lionesses brought football home back in July; it's time for a new England anthem that can be sung from the terraces like the classics of yesteryear.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with The Jeff Astle Foundation, raising funds and awareness, and hoping beyond hope that England can Stick Another Star in Qatar.'"