INDIE-ROCK icon Liam Fray took to the stage on Friday the 13th of January for a blistering one-off solo gig at O2 Ritz Manchester raising fund for Greater Manchester’s Mayor’s Charity.
It was a 1,500 strong home crowd for The Courteeners frontman, who played a mix of the band’s biggest hits and fan favourites in aid of A Bed Every Night, the charity’s flagship scheme that aims to provide a bed (and wraparound support) for anyone rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping, in Greater Manchester.
Tickets for the gig sold out in minutes for the gig at the O2 Ritz, with support from singer-songwriter Rianne Downey. It was somewhat of a sequel to the first Raise The Roof fundraiser in 2019 for A Bed Every Night, at which The Courteeners were joined by Blossoms, Bugzy Malone and others.
Tim Heatley, Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:
“As expected, Liam was on top form and the crowd was the best. A massive thanks to Liam for being a continued supporter of A Bed Every Night, alongside every single person who bought a ticket.
“From gigs and classical concerts, to sponsored fitness challenges and DJ battles, we’ve had a run of brilliant fundraisers recently. But they’d be nothing without the generosity of the public, who continue to provide essential support for anyone at risk of rough sleeping in Manchester.”
Friday’s gig was the latest in a long line of alternative fundraisers for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, including the hugely popular DJ Battle between the Manchester and Liverpool City Region mayors – which saw Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner blasting N Trance’s ‘Set You Free’.
Elsewhere, Manchester Baroque and Manchester Cathedral Choir performed Handel’s Messiah at the stunning Cathedral in aid of A Bed Every Night, whilst runners from across Manchester united with students from the University of Manchester for RunWild’s 24 Hour Race Against Homelessness.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“In the current cost of living crisis everyone is feeling the pinch. Despite that, time after time, the people of Greater Manchester show up to help others, raising funds to support those in their time of need.
“The city’s creatives and musical icons have been really supportive of our mission to support those sleeping rough and at risk of homelessness, and we’ll continue to raise funds through events that pull a fantastic crowd.
“The money raised will be put to good use – the support A Bed Every Night provides really does change lives.”
Since 2018, A Bed Every Night has helped over 4,000 people and has been key in helping arrest the increase of rough sleeping in the region by 75%, since its peak in 2017. However, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity are concerned that the figure will start to rise again due to the turbulent economic conditions and has been working to find new ways in helping alleviate the issue head on.
