The Courteeners, Blossoms, Bugzy Malone, Lisa Stansfield and Dr John Cooper Clarke raised the roof at O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. Joined by a host of other surprise guests from sport, TV and comedy, the night was a huge success.
Music fans of Greater Manchester made a £10 donation to the charity all with the hopes of winning one of 1,600 pairs of tickets to the exclusive gig.
We raised more than £100,000 from the concert on what was a truly electric evening.
Tim Heatley, Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said:
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone involved in making Raise the Roof not just a fantastic moment but also a lasting legacy, with more than £100,000 raised to tackle homelessness in the city-region.
The event showed what can be done when Greater Manchester’s music, arts and business communities join together. Whether it was people’s hard work, donations or performance on the night we achieved something special. We don’t walk on by when people need help, we come together to make things happen.
I’m delighted to be able to confirm on behalf of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity that we want to make Raise The Roof a regular event in the city-region’s calendar. Thank you to everyone who’s been involved so far and we look forward to announcing further details early next year on the next concert.”
Courteeners lead singer Liam Fray said:
“Rough sleeping on the streets of Greater Manchester is a crisis all of us need to confront and by joining forces we can really make a difference.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Raise The Roof saw a 3,500-strong crowd come together to do exactly what it said on the tin. It was a brilliant night, with an amazing atmosphere, and I want to thank everyone who came. But I also want to thank everyone who put their name into the hat for tickets but were unsuccessful. Your support is hugely appreciated.
“My main thanks, though, go to Courteeners, Blossoms, Bugzy Malone, Dr John Cooper Clarke, Lisa Stansfield, Valve and Sunta Templeton for putting on an unforgettable evening, as well as promoter SJM Concerts and various supporting businesses across Greater Manchester who helped to make it happen.
“Raise the Roof has raised over £100,000 which is a huge amount for a first event. This money has helped give us confidence to extend A Bed Every Night for another year and that’s why we’re so grateful to everyone who was part of it.
“As a snapshot, on one night earlier this month, almost 300 people were indoors thanks to A Bed Every Night. Since the scheme started last November, nearly 670 people have been helped through it into more suitable accommodation.
“Early next month we will set out plans for Phase 2 of A Bed Every Night and people will be able to see the difference this money will make.”
Missed the event? Find out more here.