Manchester has taken inspiration from Berlin's United We Stream concept, an online digital club night to help raise funds for nightlife employees and artists without work and wages, during the coronavirus lockdown.
Since launched on March 19th, over £700,000 had been raised for those out of work Berlin employees, through donations and sponsorship, with millions of streams.
All income from the stream will go directly to a relief fund, with 8% of funds raised donated to Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Charity, 22% donated to the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s Charity, and 70% of all funding generated going specifically to support Greater Manchester's night time economy, including music venues, restaurants, bars, freelancers and cultural organisations who are unable to work or operate their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Originally planned to broadcast live every day from 19:00, with a donations page where viewers can watch for free but can buy a virtual ticket for whatever price they choose, United We Stream Manchester was launched on Friday 3rd April by literally putting the "House" in House Music with Manchester's superstar DJs, Solardo, followed on Saturday 4th by DJ Gareth Brooks.
The Slow Readers Club played a remote set on Monday 5th, and controversial Kala chef Gary Usher provided the last daily broadcast on Tuesday 6th, before the schedule was changed and a huge line up of former HaciendaDJs and residents was announced for Saturday 11th April.
Broadcasting from noon until midnight, American house legends David Morales, Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry and Roy Davis Jr. will headline, with Graeme Park, Jon DaSilva, Tom Wainwright, K Klass, Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll all providing sets, whilst Manchester music journalist John Robb will interview Shaun Ryder, Peter Hook and Graeme Park amongst others.
Following Berlin and Manchester's lead, Amsterdam, Madrid, Vienna, Sydney and Melbourne are all expected to launch United We Stream platforms in the coming days.
It's the perfect way to party at home alone, whilst protecting the NHS and saving lives.
