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Northern mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram are going head-to-head in another charity DJ battle

Who'll reign supreme this time?

Emily Sergeant - 12th January 2024

It’s that time once again, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram are going head-to-head in another DJ battle for charity.

Following what was the headline-grabbing showdown between the two Northern mayors last year here in Manchester, where both ended up claiming a victory, Burnham and Rotheram have announced they’re going for round two next month.

And it’s all in the name of charity, of course.

This time round, the Mayor of Liverpool City Region has invited the Greater Manchester Mayor over to his neck of the woods, as the pair will be taking to the decks at Camp and Furnace in Liverpool city centre on Friday 2 February.

Liverpool and Greater Manchester will face off in what is being described as a “good-natured music battle for a worthy cause”, with all the proceeds from the event going to local homeless charities.

Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram are going head-to-head in another charity DJ battle / Credit: Supplied

It’s not just Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram that you’ll get to see in action on the night though either, as there’s also some local and international stars set to make an appearance too.

Ticketholders will be treated to the musical stylings of singers Rebecca Ferguson and Peter Hooton, alongside LFC and England footballer (and rapper) John Barnes for the so-called ‘home side’, while former Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay, M-People’s Heather Small, and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake will join the Greater Manchester team.

“We’re coming back, but this time, we’re heading over to Liverpool,” Andy Burnham said ahead of the DJ battle next month.

“I was so proud of what we achieved with our DJ battle last year, using the power of music and friendly rivalry to unite behind one powerful message, that homelessness has no place in Greater Manchester. It’s going to be bigger and better this time round, as we spread the fundraising and ramp up the noise over in Liverpool.”

The two Northern mayors will face off in Liverpool at the start of next month / Credit: Shaun Peckham

The first in-person DJ battle between the two mayors in Manchester back in December 2022 ended up raising over £25,000, and even won ‘Leading Live Event of the Year’ at the 2023 This is Manchester Awards.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming Andy and the rest of the Greater Manchester contingent to Liverpool,” added Steve Rotheram, “We’ve shown time and again that nowhere can throw a party quite like our area, and we’ve got a fantastic lineup of famous faces joining us on stage for what promises to be an evening full of fun and great music.

“Most importantly though, it’s all in aid of a cause that’s very close to all our hearts, and together, we’re showing that the North West will always stand united in support of those who need it most.”

Proceeds from the night will be distributed between the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester charities, and all funds will support initiatives to tackle homelessness and end rough sleeping.

Early-bird tickets for the DJ Battle 2024 are now on sale here.

Featured Image – Shaun Peckham