Yesterday it was announced that Manchester music icon and indie stalwart Liam Fray is performing a one-off gig in January 2023 for Manchester’s A Bed for a Night charity.
Taking place at O2 Ritz on Whitworth Street, the gig will raise essential funds for the charity that was set up by Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham back in 2018.
Since then, 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.
Liam Fray, frontman of leading Manchester band The Courteeners will headline the gig that has been organised by Raise the Roof Manchester. The organisation works alongside the charity to curate gigs in the city in which all of the proceeds go directly to A Bed For a Night.
Earlier in the week, Andy Burnham also raised over £20K for the charity via his DJ battle with Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotherham. He secured victory for Manchester in front of a packed crowd at Manchester’s Mayfield Depot last Friday, with the well-fought DJ battle so far raising over £20,000 for charity.
All the money from the sold out event will go toward 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.
Donations are still incoming, but the money raised so far will fund over 600 nights of accommodation, with food, and full wrap-around support for those that need it most.
Tickets go on sale for the gig from 9am THIS Friday.
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