United We Stream wraps up after raising £477K for Greater Manchesters nightlife
The curtain has finally come down on the UK's biggest ever live streaming series - with almost half a million raised for a dozen regional charities and the local events scene.
United We Stream GM – the broadcasting platform that kept Manchester’s nightlife pumping during lockdown – has officially wrapped up production.
The curtain has come down on the UK’s biggest ever live streaming series – and organisers have confirmed almost half a million has been raised via the platform for local charities and the events scene.
United We Stream was created by Night-Time Economy Adviser Sacha Lord and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as a swift response to the closure of performance venues due to the pandemic.
The platform attracted over seven million viewers throughout its run – with 338 artists, DJs, poets, cooks, singers, bands and other creatives stepping up to perform across 207 hours of broadcasting.
Organisers have now bowed out gracefully ahead of the reopening of the night-time economy and cultural venues, but one-off special events are being planned for the summer and autumn.
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35 UWS productions have gone ahead since April – including two Hacienda House Parties, a Manchester Remembers tribute production (with the Manchester Survivors Choir and Spice Girl Melanie C), several festivals, and a DJ battle between Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotherham.
The platform has enjoyed global media coverage from the likes of Billboard and Rolling Stone, even being mentioned in Parliament by Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green.
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Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “The success of United We Stream GM has surpassed our hopes. I cannot begin to say how pleased we are with the success of this fundraising project.
“To have reached the number of people we have, with brilliant content, production, social media and the Stay At Home message has been fantastic. We all love visiting our favourite music venues, bars and restaurants, and the money raised here will go some way to helping them stay alive and to be there when lockdown restrictions are lifted.”
Night-Time Economy Adviser Sacha Lord added: “The idea was to entertain people during lockdown, to encourage them to stay at home, but also raise funds for many people who needed it.
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“In all honesty, we didn’t know if anyone would watch it, never mind donate. 10 weeks later, it has to be one of the proudest moments of my career.
“I’d like to thank all the artists, everyone behind the camera, everyone who donated and of course Andy Burnham for letting it happen.”
Applications for the United We Stream Solidarity Fund are still open on the GMCA website for those affected by the crisis.
Eligible applicants must work in the cultural or night-time economy sector in Greater Manchester, with funding used to adapt to social distancing and lockdown measures related to COVID-19.
For more information about the Solidarity Fund, applicants can visit the GMCA website.
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
The Manc -
16th June 2020 
