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.
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.
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Featured Image — Liam Fray (via Instagram)
News
Police urgently appeal for footage after fatal stabbing in Moss Side
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal for footage in their ongoing investigation into a fatal stabbing in Moss Side last week.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are appealing for information – and in particular, mobile phone footage – as they continue to investigate the murder of 34-year-old father of three, Adrian Brown, who died following a stabbing in Moss Side last Friday (8 May).
Police were called to Raby Street in Moss Side at around 11pm last Friday to reports of a serious assault.
Mr Brown was found with stab wounds to the chest, and was rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died from his injuries.
An 18‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of murder the following day (Saturday 9 May) and remains in custody. A second man, aged 26, has also been arrested on suspicion of murder, while two men, aged 25 and 38, and a 26‑year‑old woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
With the police investigation now progressing at pace, officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have captured mobile phone footage at any point during the evening – particularly in or around the West Indian Sports and Social Club on Westwood Street.
Adrian had been attending an event at the club that evening, before at around 11pm, he was assaulted just outside the front entrance.
“There were around 200 people at the club that night, and we believe some of those present may have information that could help us understand what happened,” commented Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson.
“This could include eyewitness accounts, or photos and videos taken throughout the evening.
“I appreciate that speaking to police can feel daunting, but anyone with footage can upload it anonymously through our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal.”
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Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 2270 or 101, quoting log 4069 of 08/05/26, or uploading to the MIPP online here.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Police confirm man was arrested ‘on suspicion of making an explosive device’ in Gay Village
Daisy Jackson
Police have confirmed that the man who was detained in the midst of an incident in the Gay Village yesterday was arrested on suspicion of making an ‘explosive device’.
A huge cordon was in place in the Canal Street area in the city centre on Monday 11 May, after members of the public reported a ‘chemical smell’ coming from a hotel at around 10.45am.
Emergency services attended the scene and found chemical substances in a hotel room.
The man, who was believed to be the occupant of the hotel room, was detained at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police have since confirmed that he was ‘detained on suspicion of making an explosive device’ and was taken into custody for questioning.
In an update shared yesterday, they wrote: “The response to the incident on Canal Street in Manchester city centre is being reduced following reports of chemical substances being found.
“Emergency services examined items within a room inside a hotel following calls from the public at about 10:45am.
“A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, was detained on suspicion of making an explosive device and is currently in custody being questioned.
“Chemical substances found in the room have been examined and are in the process of being safely removed. The subsequent examination ruled out any explosive risk.
“We are working with the hotel management to return the establishment to normal after staff and guests were evacuated as a precaution.
“Staff from the fire service’s Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection team remain in attendance to conduct tests and ensure the area is safe.
“We would like to thank the public and surrounding businesses for their patience as we continue with our work.”
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Featured image: The Manc Group
Danny Jones -
7th December 2022 
