Noel Gallagher will perform a headline set at a huge fundraising gala at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground next month.
The former Oasis star will be joining Jamie Carragher, Vernon Kay, Melanie C and more at the Football for Change event.
The inaugural fundraising gala took place last year in Liverpool and raised nearly £250,000, boosted by a lunch event with Sir Rod Stewart and Tom Grennan that raised a further £100,000.
It’s hoped that the huge cricket ground gig will raise even more money for the charitable initiative Football for Change, to help people affected by poverty.
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Credit: Football for Change
The initiative has already sent more than 40 disadvantaged children to the USA on sporting and educational retreats, as well as distributing grants to organisations in the most deprived areas of the country.
Taking place on 22 September, the Football for Change gala will bring together performances from Spice Girl Mel C, Emeli Sande, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Vernon Kay will host, while Sky Sports presenter Jamie Carragher holds a high-profile Q&A with a sporting superstar.
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A major auction will also be held, with prizes donated by Robbie Williams, Sir Rod Stewart, Manchester United, Manchester City and Formula 1.
Credit: Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Jamie Carragher said: “It is amazing to have Noel and his band supporting Football For Change by playing at our annual fundraising gala next month. He is a music icon and we’re all looking forward to it.
“This event follows our launch in 2021 which was attended by our patron Sir Rod Stewart. It is going to be a great night.”
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Dan Hughes, founder of the leading PR firm ThisGeneration, who launched the Football For Change initiative said: “Securing Noel Gallagher is a massive coup. This is a major homecoming for one of the world’s biggest music stars and his support will help improve the life chances of disadvantaged young people in the North West.”
Football for Change was launched by Jamie Carragher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Conor Coady last year with leading PR firm ThisGeneration Communications. Sir Rod Stewart is the official patron.
A number of football stars including Jude Bellingham, Lionesses hero Beth Mead, Jack Harrison and Gary Neville are also involved.
Gary Lineker is an ambassador too, alongside Steven Gerrard and Brazilian international Lucas Moura.
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Football for Change aims to lift young people from disadvantaged backgrounds out of poverty with life-changing opportunities in education and employment.
The fundraising gala is being backed by Swinton Insurance, DAM Health, Together Money and Watches of Switzerland.
Ian Brown slated as fans walk out of ‘terrible £50 karaoke gig’
Emily Sergeant
Ian Brown has been catching flak from his own fans over the weekend after he took to the stage to perform without a live band.
The former Stone Roses frontman kicked-off his UK tour last night with a sold-out gig in Leeds, but many of his fans were said to be left heading for the door as the singer stepped out on stage on his own and proceeded to perform his set to a backing track of songs, rather than with a live band as most were expecting would be the case.
Not only were many shocked to see him perform over a “painful” backing track, but he also apparently didn’t belt out that many of his big hits either.
The 59-year-old rocker has since become a trending topic on social media overnight after he left audience members in disbelief and demanding their money back – with some claiming they paid up to £50 for tickets to a “terrible karaoke gig”.
Other brutal fan comments claimed he “butchered” his own songs.
One fan wrote on Twitter accompanying a now-viral video from the gig: “Gutted to see Ian Brown turn up to his £40 a ticket, sold out gig at Leeds tonight WITH NO BAND. I’m a life long fan but it was bad. Ian Brown does karaoke and butchers his own tunes. Most were too p***ed to care, but I had to get out after this one.”
Gutted to see @ianbrown turn up to his £40 a ticket, sold out gig at leeds tonight WITH NO BAND. I’m a life long fan but it was bad. #ianbrown does karaoke and butchers his own tunes. Most were too pissed to care but I had to get out after this one. Longsight M13 was a highlight. pic.twitter.com/8owVy2NHjS
“Me and my wife lasted 36 minutes exactly before walking out,” they explained.
“I think the autotune on the microphone lasted three songs. Real shame as I was looking forward to seeing him solo as only ever seen stone roses. No band at all was a let down.”
Another fan who shared a video from the gig said they would be using the video to “keep the local cats out of my garden”
“For someone is known for not being a great singer, you’d think he would find the loudest band to mask his terrible singing,” they added.
Another tweeted: “It’s sad to be reading this. I’ve been to loads of his gigs. Some were better than others but they were all great gigs. Why on earth would he decided that no band was a good idea. £40 too.”
Ian Brown is set to take to the stage at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester this Friday 30 September as part of his ongoing UK tour.
Manchester music store Forsyth is giving away free music lessons
The Manc
Manchester music store Forsyth is giving away a host of free music lessons next month in a bid to inspire people to learn a new instrument, or pick up an old one.
The store is giving new and returning musicians a chance to receive a 10–15-minute free music taster session as part of its Music for All Learn to Play ’22 event.
Taking place across 8 and 9 October between 10am-5pm (8 October) and 1130am-30pm (9 October),short taster music lessons will allow all ages and abilities to have a musical experience that could turn into a lifetime of enjoyment, or even a new career.
Speaking on the free music lesson initiative, Emma from Forsyths said: “The past two years have shown how important music is to all our lives and how it can bring people together even in the most difficult of circumstances.
“We aim to help as many people as possible understand the unique joys and benefits of learning an instrument (or taking part in a choir).
“Anyone interested in learning to play an instrument or looking to pick it up again, should come and join us for this two-day celebration of music making.
“We’re delighted to be part of Music for All’s Learn to Play ’22 event, and we can’t wait to get started.”
OBE Jools Holland, Patron of Music for All, said: “Making music is very important to me. It’s my work, my pleasure, my friend, companion and therapist.
The charity Music for All believes passionately in the unique power of music to change lives and that is why it runs Learn to Play.
Music for All believes everyone should have equal access to music making.
The charity supports disadvantaged music makers by providing cash grants for tuition and instruments and by donating instruments directly.
The Learn to Play ’22 event is generously supported by the NAMM Foundation and other partners include Music Industries Association, Musicians Union, Making Music, Music Mark and Black Lives in Music.
Those interested in joining Forsyths for a free music lesson simply need to email [email protected] or pop into the Sheet Music department on the ground floor to register interest.
Daisy Jackson -
17th August 2022 
