EIGHT years on, the murder of Sophie Lancaster still strikes a chord with many — especially the world of music.

Sophie, aged 20, and her boyfriend Robert Maltby were attacked because of the way they dressed, and since her death, her family have campaigned to stamp out intolerance and discrimination as well as change attitudes towards subcultures through education.

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation was created by Sophie's mum Sylvia, aiming to create awareness, respect for and understanding of subcultures in communities. Then, in 2013 Greater Manchester Police became one of the first forces to recognise and prosecute hate crimes based upon appearance.

A number of music festivals have been organised across the country in her memory since the tragic attack, with Bloodstock Open Air in Darby even going so far as naming a stage after her.

The next event is a little closer to home — the fourth S.O.P.H.I.E Festival will this year take place at Rebellion in Manchester, and Bury band Vice are delighted to be on the line up.

The band, made up of Tom Atkinson (lead vocals, guitar), Connor Summers (drums), Jack Trelawny (guitar, backing vocals) and Simon Robertshaw (bass), will play the primetime 6.15pm slot on November 28.

Tom said: "As a band, we are used to being discriminated against by people because of the way we look and what clothes we wear, so Sophie's death really hit home. It's worrying to know that people still get aggressive towards people who look different.

"We didn't know her personally but we met her a few times a gigs. Every time you see a lot of the same people at concerts it's like you're all part of some kind of family — and Sophie was part of that family.

"And as bittersweet as it is, her mum Sylvia has gained a massive family since losing Sophie because everyone came together to support her."

Vice, who rehearse in Bananaphish Studios in Bury, will be playing alongside a number of North West based bands including Foetal Juice, also from Bury, and NekroDrako from Manchester.

Connor said: "The music might not be for everyone but I guarantee the people you get at gigs like this will be among the nicest you will ever meet. So anyone who wants to come along would have a good time.

"Sophie has definitely left a legacy. Bloodstock named a stage after her — they have always been behind the foundation. The work that Sylvia has done is amazing and I take my hat off to her. She is an incredible woman."

All profits from the festival will be donated to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

Organiser Scot Reedy, who was a friend of Sophie's, said: "Since we started this festival back in 2011, the foundation has grown substantially and more and more police forces are recognising attacks on alternative people as hate crime.

"As somebody who has received abuse for liking heavier music and dressing different to what some call the 'norm', the foundation means a lot to me, my family and my friends.

"Sophie was a beautiful young woman in the prime of her life and to think that she was murdered, all because of how she looked, still saddens me to this day. Hopefully with events like our little festival and others taking places throughout the UK, we can help even more people to feel safe and comfortable being who they are."

Advanced tickets are only available until November 16 and cost £6.50 including postage or at Rebellion for £6. Tickets on the door, on November 28, will cost £8. To book, visit sophie-fest.weebly.com/tickets.