Ed Sheeran, Steven Spielberg & Annie Lennox to star in Covid-19 fundraiser for India

Ed Sheeran and Steven Spielberg are among the many celebrities and public figures taking part in We for India: Saving Lives, Protecting Livelihoods, a charity fundraiser to aid India's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nile Rodgers and Annie Lennox will also appear in the live-streamed event on Facebook on August 15th, with donations requested from audience members.

"Music has the power to heal in times of struggle and adversity," said the legendary frontman of Chic, Nile Rodgers.

"I’m very proud of my community because when the world is in trouble, musicians never fail to show up with their amazing songs to give us all hope for our future."

India has been one of the countries hit hardest by the pandemic, with an estimated death toll of four million.

Give India will distribute funds to provide medical support as well as staffing in vaccination centres.

Money raised will also be used to support those who have lost income, meal and ration kits, and relief for families who have lost an immediate family member from the virus.

Another performer at the event, Sister Sledge, remarked that “We For India is a really fitting and timely occasion for the world to unite in support of the Covid-19 relief missions in India."

"The world was stunned by the magnitude of the second wave in India this year and to this day we must all be aware that the legacy impact and fallout from this won’t be easy. But we know that when we unite in solidarity, as a global family, we can play our part in supporting India to build back stronger."