GroceryAid’s ‘game-changer’ Barcode Festival raised £250,000 for the cause.

The charity swapped black ties for glitter as it ditched its summer ball event in favour of the festival which saw performances by the Kaiser Chiefs, Sigma, Levi Roots and Greg James.

GroceryAid CEO Steve Barnes said: “We always hoped that Barcode was going to be a game-changer for the charity but the end result has exceeded my expectations, bringing colleagues together in a way I have never seen before. I could not be prouder of our industry.”

The funds raised will be made available to support those who work or have worked in the grocery supply chain and are struggling to get by, including shop owners and staff.

The new annual event featured backing from major convenience sector players including Booker, Bestway, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Nestlé and many more.

Booker commercial director Andrew Thompson said: ‘Barcode is an event like no other in the events calendar, with something going on everywhere you turn.”

The charity has already confirmed that Barcode Festival will return for 2019.

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