News
Liam Fray is playing a one-off charity gig to raise money for Manchester’s homeless community
Tickets for Raise the Roof 2022 go on sale this Friday.
Danny Jones -
7th December 2022 
Liam Fray is playing a one-off charity gig to raise money for Greater Manchester’s homeless population early next year.
The Courteeners frontman will be playing an acoustic set at the O2 Apollo on Friday, 13 January 2023 to raise money for the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme run by the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.
Hosting just the second ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising concert in over three years – the pandemic having put a pause on the initiative – the money generated will go towards providing a safe place to sleep to thousands in around the Manchester area.
The Middleton-born musician confirmed the date on Tuesday.
The Courteeners played at the first Raise the Roof gig back in 2019 alongside the likes of Bugzy Malone, Blossoms and Lisa Stansfield, raising over £100,000 for the homeless charity.
While Fray is currently the only name confirmed to be playing this year’s gig, his popularity in the city alone is sure to drive thousands to iconic Manchester venue for this great cause.
Most importantly, not only will all ticket sales go towards the A Bed Every Night drive, but so too will the proceeds from the re-release of the band’s debut album, St Jude, dropping on the same day as the gig.
The Mayor’s Charity has held a number of hugely successful campaigns already this year, including their annual 24 Run Against Homelessness as well as Mayor Andy Burnham‘s second night DJing at the one and only Warehouse Project.
Speaking in an official press release, Burnham spoke about the spoke about “the power of music to get people together and raise vital funds” for causes like combatting homelessness.
He went on to say that despite all the money already raised this year, “there’s more still to do and we know the cost of living crisis has started to impact on people’s housing”, adding: “We’re a musical city, so what better way to help those who need it but with a night with the incredible Liam Fray.”
Responding to Burnham’s thanks on Twitter, Fray had a simple message:
Over 4,000 unique individuals have been supported by A Bed Every Night since 2019, with more than 600 people now supplied with accommodation across the region who would otherwise be at risk of sleeping rough.
The Mayor’s campaign works with 21 different organisations across Greater Manchester helping provide a safe place to sleep to the homeless and those in needs on a regular basis. Wonderful stuff.
Tickets go on sale Friday, 9 December at 9am. You can grab yours HERE.
Read more:
- Stone Roses bassist Mani raises over £100k for The Christie and local NHS charities
- Manchester United opening up warm banks in Red Cafe to the community this winter
- Matty Healy, Guy Garvey and more rally around Night & Day Cafe as iconic venue heads to court
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Featured Image — Liam Fray (via Instagram)
