A local not-for-profit radio station has launched a crowdfunding appeal to help it stay on air.
Salford City Radio is run by just one member of staff, with around 80 volunteers chipping in to create a platform that makes ‘a real difference’ to the people of Salford.
Radio shows at the station are all presented and produced by volunteers from all backgrounds, who are in return given new training and skills.
For 15 years, Salford City Radio has given its team ‘a much-needed sense of purpose and routine, a reason to get out of bed each day and carry on.’
Credit: Salford City Radio
Many of its volunteers have come to the station following difficult circumstances like ill health, redundancy or bereavement.
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But the station is now facing the expensive process of renewing its Ofcom licence, as well as its equipment and running costs.
It’s hoping to raise £20,000 over the next fortnight to cover those costs and stay on air.
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Salford City Radio added that it provides ‘a voice for community and charitable organisations, local businesses, schools, local theatres, artists and musicians from Salford and further afield, and much, much more’.
Credit: Salford City Radio
It’s already managed to raise £2,681 in donations.
They wrote: “Although like commercial stations we produce shows and adverts, we don’t make lots of money, we’re a not-for-profit community station whose shows are all produced and presented by volunteers from all backgrounds and all levels of ability.
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“It gives them opportunities to learn new skills both in radio and other media, and many transferrable skills, helping to improve self-confidence, develop CVs and increase the potential of gaining paid employment.
“The Council kindly supported us financially up to 2016, and still support us by providing accommodation for our studios. Without their support we would have had to close.”
The studio is run from the Salford Civic Centre in Swinton.
Salford City Radio continued: “We ask you to help us please if you are able, by making a donation to our crowdfunder.
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“As a thank you for your kind donation, you will be rewarded by opportunities to get a shout out on air, be a guest on air, or maybe even present your very own show!
“Your contribution will make a real difference to the people of Salford. Thank you for listening and supporting 94.4 FM.”
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Daisy Jackson -
23rd March 2022 
