Now reuniting in front of a crowd, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotherham will take to the decks to raise money for the Greater Manchester Mayor's homeless charity. Powered by The Warehouse Project, the battle will take place on Friday, December 2, and will also see a series of special guests perform.
The last match took place online during lockdown as part of the 'United We Stream' fundraiser, but now the pair reunite face-to-face to help raise funds 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 Manchester.
The battle - supported by The Warehouse Project, Elevate and Badger & Combes- will see Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham 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. #
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"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.”
Even as a passionate advocate for the region, Burnham will face tough competition against opponent Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotherham, who's historically taunted his northern counterpart on which city has the best music credentials.
Clearly up for the battle, Steve Rotheram responded: “There can be no debate: the Liverpool City Region is the undisputed home of British music. We’ve given the world some of the greatest artists, albums and songs of all time - no area has had more number one hits than us.
“The fact we beat off competition from cities across the UK to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine speaks to our world-leading reputation as the UK’s premier music scene - and it’s a legacy we’re continuing today. Rivalries aside, this is about the North Wests two greatest cities coming together for a really important cause. I’m looking forward to going head-to-head with Andy next month and, bringing the title back here where it belongs - the UK’s cultural capital!”
Launched in 2018 by Andy Burnham, supported by the charity, A Bed Every Night has helped over 4,000 people and has been instrumental in reducing rough sleeping in the region by 75%, since its peak in 2017. Currently, 21 organisations provide shelter for the charity, which includes specialist women’s, LGBTQ+, pet-friendly and ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ accommodation, and now already supports over 600 people needing a place to stay.
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.
"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.”
But with ongoing turbulent economic conditions and uncertainty over Universal Credit, the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is also concerned that many more people will end up at risk of homelessness this winter. 1,000 Beds for Christmas is Andy Burnham's annual winter fundraising campaign which will formally launch later this month to ensure support amidst the current cost of living and energy crisis.
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.
The event will take over the Archive at Mayfield Depot, with tickets on sale now, charged at £10 per person (plus fees). Anyone purchasing a ticket for the DJ Battle will already be supporting A Bed Every Night, with all proceeds from ticket sales and bar sales helping to prevent homelessness in the region.
With an increased need to offer support this coming winter a voluntary donation of £20, plus a £10 ticket price (plus fees), will mean one night has been fully funded. For more information or to purchase tickets click this link.
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