New virtual music and mental wellbeing festival Headstock announces bumper lineup
The two-day event is set to be beamed out across the nation via the United We Stream platform - with support from the Hits Radio Network and in aid of charity partners Help Musicians and Manchester Mind.
Mental health and music festival Headstock has confirmed a bumper lineup for a full weekend of live performances, talks and experiences in October.
The two-day event is set to be beamed out across the nation via the United We Stream platform – with support from the Hits Radio Network and in aid of charity partners Help Musicians and Manchester Mind.
A virtual festival replaces a week-long event originally scheduled to take place across Manchester during May 2020, postponed due to coronavirus.
Headstock reincarnated will go live on World Mental Health Day – streaming on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October.
Anyone can access the event for free, with donations encouraged to raise funds for Headstock’s charity partners Help Musicians and Manchester Mind, raising awareness for text support service Shout 85258.
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Already confirmed to appear on the bill are UK chart-topping rock band Nothing But Thieves and acclaimed Irish rock band Kodaline, alongside exciting Greater Manchester bands Larkins, The Slow Readers Club, The Lottery Winners and Lucy Deakin.
There’ll be comedy curated by Nodding Dog Comedy (filmed in Escape to Freight Island), a Yoga Rave with Liam Browne, and two-hour set from legendary DJ Paulette.
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Wellbeing sessions are also being hosted across the weekend including Yoga Nidra with DJ and Bestival co-founder Rob Da Bank, a Sound Bath with Morning Gloryville, and Energising Morning Flow and Sound Healing workshops delivered by boutique gym BLOK.
United We Stream executive producer, Sacha Lord commented: “In my role as Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, I am fully aware that my sector is more prone to Mental Health, than the majority of other sectors.
“With new measures in place, many venues still closed, there is an underlying amount of fear and anxiety for the future, not just amongst operators, but amongst employees too. The next few months see us venture into the unknown and this reiterates the importance of Headstock.
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“We need to be talking, we need to be looking out for each other. Music brings us together and I’m delighted that United We Stream could again help out Headstock as a platform.”
Closing the weekend is Lord’s seminal night club series The Warehouse Project.
Known for hosting legendary nights in Manchester since the mid-noughties, WHP will showcase a four-hour party followed by an exclusive performance from House Gospel Choir and back-to-back headline sets from Yousef and Prospa.
Eight artists will then go head-to-head to create an art masterpiece in just 30 minutes – with the final product auctioned off and proceeds split between the artists and Headstock’s charity partners.
Former World Champion boxer Ricky Hatton, DJ Brandon Block, and BBC Radio 1’s Dr Radha will be logging on to take part in talks.
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Hatton said: “The Headstock Festival is a great idea and it’s so important to be having such a positive event during these difficult times.
“We all have to manage our mental health, particularly as we deal with lockdown and this can be as simple as going for a walk or run, listening to music or hitting the punchbag.
“You have to try and do something you like everyday and stay connected with the people around you.”
According to Headstock organisers, the event will focus on the positive impact that both music and movement can have when it comes to managing and maintaining good mental health.
The festival launched in October 2019 as a direct response to the disproportionate level of mental health issues across the North West; founded upon a belief in the power of music to positively impact our emotional and mental wellbeing.
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Focused on prevention rather than cure, Headstock aims to empower people to take stock of their own mental health.
Headstock Founder, Atheer Al-Salim said: “Through the power of music and shared experiences, our goal is to create change by changing the conversation around mental health. Music has a huge role to play in our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and that applies now, more than ever.
“Like so many live events, our plans for 2020 have had to change, but we’ve adapted to the times, and are delighted to continue our relationship with United We Stream in order to deliver this exciting event. We’ve curated a jam-packed programme across World Mental Health Day weekend that combines music, talks and wellbeing experiences, so we really hope that people are able to take what they need from this very special virtual event.”
Viewers can tune in to the event for free on United We Stream HERE.
‘Festivalgoers’ are encouraged to buy a virtual ticket for the event or donate an amount they can afford via Justgiving.
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All proceeds from the event will go to Headstock’s charity partners Help Musicians and Manchester Mind. Donations will help support vital emotional and practical services for young people and musicians.
For the full line up, new additions and more information visit the Headstock Justgiving page HERE.
FULL LINE UP – MORE TO BE ADDED
SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2020
BLOK: Energising Moring Flow – Breath & Move
LIIMO
ARTISTS TBA
TALK: PROFESSOR TIM SPECTOR
LUCY DEAKIN
THE SLOW READERS CLUB
THE LOTTERY WINNERS
TALK: DR RADHA x JOSH CONNOLLY
KODALINE
LARKINS
NOTHING BUT THIEVES
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RICKY HATTON
BLOK: BLOKsound with Koral
NODDING DOG COMEDY – At Escape to Freight Island – Brennan Reece / Freddy Quinne / Lindsey Davies / Bexie Archer / Phil Chapman / Matt Stellingwerf / Mike Newall / Vince Atta / Hayley Ellis / Isma Almas
SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2020
MORNING GLORYVILLE – DJ Paulette – Yoga Rave with Liam Browne (music by Rae Marie)
SOUND BATH – with Morning Gloryville
INTERVIEW: BRANDON BLOCK
THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT
HOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR
HEADLINE DJ SETS – YOUSEF / PROSPA
ART BATTLE MANCHESTER
Audio
A local Manc musician is taking on a Three Peaks challenge whilst carrying a full drum kit
Danny Jones
A local musician dubbed ‘The Manchester Drummer’ is set to face an incredible twist on the National Three Peaks Challenge this summer, as he’s set to carry a full drum kit the ENTIRE way.
This makes our weekly stairmaster workout look like a walk in the park.
Aaron Youd, a.k.a. ‘TMD’ is set to take on the incredible feat next month in the name of mental health, especially among men.
Having sadly seen half a dozen loved ones and peers take their own lives over the last three decades, he’s putting himself through the wringer to show that mountains are there to be climbed, and chip away at those still surviving stigmas, one step at a time.
Set to ascend Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike – Great Britain’s trio of tallest summits – all whilst carrying his trusty drum kit, he’ll be putting himself through 23 miles of walking and over 10,000 feet/3,000 metres of elevation all told.
When we first came across his story, we assumed he meant the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (still staggering at more than 5,200 ft), but it turns out he does nothing by half measures.
Having spent the best part of 27 years touring and performing across the UK and Europe, Aaron’s personal connection to mental health awareness and wellbeing has only deepened over that time, choosing to represent another native charity this August.
Mandem Meetup, who also have a strong base across Greater Manchester, hold completely free group walks, along with talking events, hikes and other activities, like Dungeons and Dragons games, homeless outreach work, even gym sessions with fellow Manc community hero Javeno McLean.
Speaking ahead of starting his incredible journey, Aaron said: “This challenge is about much more than endurance. It’s about raising awareness for mental health, encouraging people to speak openly, and raising as much money as possible for a cause that affects so many lives every day.
Credit: Supplied
“I’ve lost six friends and colleagues to suicide, and I know how important it is that people feel able to talk and ask for support. At each peak, I’ll be performing with the drums to spread the message that no one should struggle alone.
“Every step, every climb, and every beat played is dedicated to raising awareness and making a positive difference.”
As well as embarking on his voyage on behalf of Mandem Meetup, Aaron is also now working with a big brand soon to make a splash here in the region (nudge nudge, wink wink) who are helping back him on his challenge.
Following a chance encounter here in the city centre, he happened to meet Professor David Russell, who came across him busking, but also just happens to be the CEO of the upcoming Therme Manchester.
The £500 spa and resort set to open over in Trafford may still be a way off, currently scheduled for late 2028, but as part of their promotion ahead of establishing a base here in the North West, the talented percussionist was invited to be part of the official groundbreaking ceremony last September.
As for Aaron, he signs off by adding: “Music has always been my outlet and my way of connecting with people. If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they’re feeling or seek help, then every difficult step will be worth it.”
We wish him all the best and good luck with this superhuman and inspiring fundraising activity, not that he needs it – we have every faith he’s going to smash it.
Whilst you’re here, we’re hoping the grassroots music community can also come together to support another locally-based artist who could do with some help.
Liam Fray says ‘yes’ to Courteeners supporting Oasis on tour amid rumoured 2027 dates
Danny Jones
Liam Fray has said that the Courteeners are ready to “answer the call” if/when it comes to supporting Oasis on their next big live tour, with rumours of dates for shows in 2027 ramping up.
The fellow Manc favourites were heavily suggested as potential support acts for the Live ’25 reunion gigs, but Cast and Richard Ashcroft were ultimately selected as the warm-ups for the world tour.
With that in mind, when asked if Courteeners would be ready to open up for Oasis on their still only hypothetical tour next year, Fray had a very quick answer:
Not to speak for the Middleton musician, but it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.
As you can see, in a recent interview with Radio X host Johnny Vaughan promoting the indie rockers’ new single, ‘Plus One Forever’, the 41-year-old frontman made it clear that he and his bandmates would bite hands off if the other Liam and/or his brother Noel offered a slot to them.
The younger Gallagher brother definitely had plenty of fun teasing supports last time around, before making some fairly more obvious posts and then seemingly just announcing them on social media according to his own timeline.
LG does what he wants, after all.
As for the supposed ’12 nights at the Etihad Stadium’ reported recently, not to mention all the other sets across the country that would no doubt follow should they come to fruition, Fray could say little else other than simply “Yes” to the prospect.
Joking, “Well, it is from me – I don’t know if someone else has said no!”, there have been no other indications on this front, but it’s safe to say it’d be a huge booking for everyone involved and a HUGE crowd-pleaser; Liam looks to be working on one of his own, elsewhere, too…
The two lead singers have both graced the stage of the Emirates Old Trafford stadium at Lancashire County Cricket Club, as well as Heaton Park, respectively.
Liam noted that he was at Heaton Park himself for that unforgettable summer last year, and also praised Wigan’s very own Ashcroft for being “unbelievable” when he caught him at Wembley. Big shoes to fill. The question is, who would you like to see supporting Oasis on their possible tour dates in the future?
In the meantime, we’ll have to be satisfied with gearing up for the release of the highly-anticipated reunion documentary, with the title and a first trailer now revealed.
The Manc -
29th September 2020 
