The music of Manchester and Liverpool will go head-to-head in a one-off DJ battle to raise money for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.
Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram will take to the decks for a fundraiser powered by The Warehouse Project on Friday 2 December 2022, battling it out alongside special guests in front a massive crowd. All proceeds from tickets and bar sales will go to the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity for A Bed Every Night, the flagship scheme which aims to provide a bed (and wraparound support) for anyone rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping, in Greater Manchester.
It will be something of a re-match for the Mayors, who took part in an online DJ face-off during lockdown as part of the ‘United We Stream’ fundraiser. Now reuniting in front of a live crowd, they’ll each be eager to be crowned king of the turntables.
The event, being put on by the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and powered by The Warehouse Project, will take over the Archive at Mayfield Depot (entrance via Temperance Street), with tickets on sale now, charged at £10 per person (plus fees) and only available here.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham will be fresh from a recent DJ spot at Manchester’s Ramona, and is promising a set influenced by Manchester classics. He said:
“We all know Manchester has the greatest musical heritage and I’ll be giving it my all in the set to prove that point once and for all. There’s serious pride at stake here. But competition aside, our passion for music unites our two city regions. What better way to put on an amazing celebration of our region’s culture and raise money for important causes, to support those who need it most at what is a really difficult time.”
But he’ll have stiff competition from Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, who’s often taunted his North West counterpart on which city has the best music credentials.
The battle – which will raise vital funds for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, to help end homelessness in Greater Manchester – is supported by The Warehouse Project, Elevate and Badger & Combes. A Bed Every Night was launched in 2018 by Andy Burnham, supported by the Charity, and provides emergency accommodation for anyone rough sleeping across the city-region, regardless of status, as well as vital personal support.
Tim Heatley, Chair of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:
“We’ve been bowled over by the ongoing support for A Bed Every Night. The scheme has raised tens of thousands over the years and, ultimately, has made peoples’ lives better with the support its been able to fund. We’re back, bigger than ever, and can’t wait to see the mayors going head to head at the iconic Mayfield Depot. It’ll be a real celebration of what makes Manchester and Liverpool incredible, global cities. People will not only be getting a great party, but knowing they’re providing vital support at a time when it’s needed most.”
Since 2018, A Bed Every Night has helped over 4,000 people and been instrumental in reducing rough sleeping in the region by 75%, since its peak in 2017 (as of June 2022). The 2021 ‘1000 Beds for Christmas campaign saw an overwhelming response from the public, and raised over £34,000, funding 1139 nights of accommodation, along with wrap-around support. Due to the current cost of living and energy crisis, there’s an increased need to offer support this winter.
The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is also concerned that many more people will end up at risk of homelessness due to ongoing turbulent economic conditions and uncertainty over Universal Credit. A Bed Every Night is already supporting over 600 people currently needing a place to stay.
Appeal for extra donations
Anyone purchasing a ticket for the DJ Battle will already be supporting the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and A Bed Every Night, with all proceeds from ticket sales and bar sales helping to prevent homelessness in Greater Manchester.
One night of accommodation for one person, with full wraparound support, costs just £30 – so the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is asking that if anyone is able to give more, that they make additional donations via the Charity’s official ‘1,000 Beds for Christmas’ JustGiving page.
1,000 Beds for Christmas is the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s annual winter fundraising campaign which will formally launch later this month. A voluntary donation of £20, on top of a £10 ticket price (plus fees), will mean one night has been fully funded. Note that only those with an official ticket, purchased via Eventbrite, will be able to access the DJ battle event itself.
