Our World Mental Health Day Mind Cambridge Benefit lineup is announced today!

Ace local singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mr Griff and his spectacular band, The Grifters, are headlining. Catch their bold, soulful, and dynamic spirit as they power through a kaleidoscope of original tracks. From thoughtful ballads that sweep you into stirring choruses, through thought-provoking songs that tell it how it is, to high-octane, funk-suffused rhythms that propel you onto the dance floor. Mr Griff’s energy is potent, prepare to be captivated by his on-stage presence and pitch perfect sounds. Check back soon for band details.

The equally talented Cambridge-based singer songwriter and pianist Angie Collins is opening on the night. Check her sultry, sophisticated jazz melodies fused with a touch of bluesy folk, delivered with engaging poise and a side-serving of sweet irony. Angie’s rich honeyed voice melts into her sumptuous tunes, peppered with punchy crescendos and absorbing lyrics that tell stories, referencing empowerment, and a deliciously dark humour. She will be joined on stage by her fabulously accomplished band, Bête Noire, more info to follow.

The event takes place at The Portland Arms on World Mental Health Day, Saturday 10 October.

All the artists are very much on board with the benefit, especially as all proceeds will go to support local mental health services. Angie Collins previously performed outside the Mind Cambridge shop during Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2025.

Asked whether he would share a few words about supporting Mind, Mr Griff has gone one step further and written a heartfelt and absorbing new song that is bound to resonate with most of us.

DAWN’S ON PARADE

The rain drops steady as the sky falls in,
And I hear voices in the wind,
My heart grows heavy and the air is thin,
Same old feelings back again,
Well heaven help the fool,
When he thinks he’s got it made,
It all turns a different shade,
When the dawn’s on parade.

Extract from new song lyrics, Dawn’s On Parade, © Mr Griff, Cambridge, 2026

This will be The Fine Line Project’s eighth benefit for Mind Cambridge and the fourth featuring original music rather than covers. We’ve up-scaled to a dedicated music venue with The Portland Arms, who are also showing their support for Mind. Other generous regional businesses have now joined us as sponsors, making this fundraiser our most ambitious to date in Cambridge.

Huge thanks to Peter Graham Wines and Grape Passions for coming on board, enabling us to direct all the proceeds to the charity, alongside long term supporters Cambridge Printing.com, who have donated their services free of charge since our first local gig. ARU Associate Professor Emeritus Will Hill continues to design all the Mind Cambridge benefit graphics since our second event. Opening his emails is always exciting, as each original concept pops out of the attachment. We hope you love the Portland gig flyer as much as we do. The background guitar image is redeployed from photographer Andrew Milbourn’s earlier shots for us.

Waste no time, because this one’s going to sell out fast. Apart from the booking fee, every penny goes to Mind Cambridge. As always, our team delivers 100% for 0%. Thanks for spreading the word, this is a community powered charitable enterprise which, without our brilliant artists, sponsors, supporters and amazing audiences, would not be possible. Mental health affects us all and music and creativity saves lives. Thanks for joining us to raise funds for Mind.

Buy Tickets direct from The Portland Arms.

Our biggest thanks go to Mr Griff and Angie Collins. Support indie music venues and artists – check out their music and their merchandise, using links from their own websites, listed above.

Mind Cambridge, 38 Burleigh Street, CB1 1DG is one of 160+ Mind charity shops nationwide which help to fund local mental health services. Mind’s helplines, resources, and network of local Mind charities provide life-saving information, support, and advice. They also campaign to improve services, challenge stigma, aid recovery, promote positive wellbeing, and encourage meaningful connections at the heart of our diverse communities.