Up to 700 youths are expected for the fifth annual Peace Concert in Battersea Arts Centre next week.

The event, where youths can to hear top music acts as well as inspirational speeches from former gang members, aims to combat the spread of teenage gang culture and violence.

As well as victims of crime, single mothers and reformed criminals, speakers include Chris Preddie, a former gang member and cousin of brothers who killed Damilola Taylor, who will speak about the campaign to tackle gangs and Jane Ellison, Battersea MP and Wandsworth police.

Various organisations are attending to provide stalls, which will have detailed information on drug abuse, education and business start ups.

The concert was set up, hosted and run by STORM Empowerment (support, trust, opportunity, rebuilding and motivation), a community group formed by Marie Hanson, a single mum who lives in a Battersea housing estate.

Ms Hanson formed the group, which stated five years ago after her son was stabbed, to help empower single mums to rebuild their self esteem and confidence and help them get back into employment and education.

She said: "The Peace Concert has proven to be a powerful vehicle to bring people together and to raise awareness of the issues surrounding gun and knife crime.

"In previous years a range of guest speakers, including mothers whose children had been killed by gun and knife crime, bringing awareness to young people of the impact and damage caused to their families and communities.

"The Peace Concert is also a time to celebrate talent within the community."

The event, on Friday, June 25, runs from 3pm to 10pm.