April 28, 2001 9:24

IT'S RAINING (IN THE) MEN (ARENA)!

The stars are among a stellar line-up doing their bit for the kids...

GERI HALLIWELL headlined a stellar pop event in MANCHESTER last night (April 27) to launch a charity organised by local radio station KEY 103.

The night also included short performances from Atomic Kitten, a1, Artful Dodger, Mel B, former Another Level star Dane Bowers and Boyzone singer Stephen Gately.

All performed at the 'Feel the Noise Live' event at the Manchester Evening News Arena, which hopes to raise money and awareness for 'Manchester Kids', a new charity which aims simply to "make a difference" for children facing difficulties in the region.

Geri headlined the bill, playing her first live show for over a year. Accompanied by an entourage of dancers, she performed new single 'It's Raining Men' at the beginning and end of her slot, complete with an exhausting dance routine. Seemingly unconcerned at the current tabloid attention surrounding her, a mischievous Geri preferred instead to introduce her pet dog to the 20,000-strong crowd, which included many of the cast members of UK soap opera 'Coronation Street' and Manchester United football club.