World Vision has this week announced a UK music tour in support of global anti-trafficking campaign, 'Stop the Traffik'.

Hosted by national youth speaker Mark Ritchie, each event on the eight-date tour will feature a full rock set from Christian rock band Replenish, support from RPM (the Abundant Life youth band) as well as Sheffield-based act, 'The Gentlemen'.

The events will be music-led but with a serious message - encouraging young people to speak out against human trafficking and the worldwide sale of people.

Each event will also feature a giant wall, at which concert-goers will be able to add their handprint. The wall will later be presented to UK government officials as a petition - urging the Government to take more decisive action on the issue of trafficking.

"The issue of human trafficking is not one that governments can ignore", said World Vision's Philippa Lei. "Human trafficking is a global problem that demands a global solution. At least 600,000 people are trafficked internationally each year and many more are trafficked within country borders. A large number of these are children. Governments across the world must act together now if we are to see an end to this 21st century slave trade."

The tour will kick off on March 9 in Ipswich and visit venues throughout the UK.