FAC51 The Haçienda is set to throw its third ‘Haçienda House Party’ with award-winning digital platform United We Steam GM on New Year’s Eve.
And this year, it’s for 24-hours straight, as it chases the turn of the year around the world.
Beginning right at the start of the day on the Pacific Date Line in Fiji at 10am GMT, the marathon event will feature an impressive line-up of live guests and DJs designed to help households to celebrate the end of 2020 and welcome in the new year.
The entire 24-hour live stream will be broadcast as a digital reconstruction of FAC51, with the DJs performing to a virtual crowd in the original recreated venue.
The two previous FAC51 The Haçienda x United We Stream GM online parties amassed a global audience of millions and provided enjoyment in what has proved a difficult and challenging year, and now this New Year’s party will offer some of the finest international DJs, a gallery of Haçienda regulars, and some very special one-off live performances, all broadcast to raise funds for a number of worthy causes.
The DJ roster for the event is one of The Hacienda’s strongest ever too, but who can you expect to see?
From the New York scene, Danny Tenaglia, David Morales, Todd Terry and Tony Humphries. From Detroit, Carl Craig, and live from Los Angeles, Moby, will all playing one-off, exclusive sets, and meanwhile, over in UK, dance music band Inner City, Phuture, DJ Norman Jay MBE and a whole host of Haçienda regulars spanning the entire history of the club – Graeme Park, Greg Wilson, Jon Dasilva, DJ Paulette, Justin Robertson, Sub Sub, K-Klass, DJ Woody, Peter Hook and the club’s first ever resident Hewan Clarke – return to FAC51.
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And, returning for a bespoke one-off live performance, is Haçienda Classical with Manchester Camerata and AMC Choir, produced exclusively for New Year’s Eve by DJ Graeme Park and musical director Tim Crooks alongside the Manchester Camerata Orchestra, musicians and vocalists – including Yvonne Shelton, Melanie Williams, Rae Hall – and some surprise special guests.
All of the performers involved are giving their time and talents to the event to “boost morale for Mancunians” during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
FAC51 The Haçienda x United We Stream GM
Haçienda Classical has seen FAC51 team up with Manchester Camerata since its debut in 2016.
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Highlights include sold out concerts at Castlefield Bowl and The Royal Albert Hall, with headline appearances at Kendal Calling, Isle of Wight Festival (twice), and Glastonbury Festival’s Pyramid Stage.
Manchester Camerata has been named “Britain’s most adventurous orchestra”, and their long-standing work in the community – with schools, care homes and people living with dementia – shows their great compassion and commitment to the city region.
A very special tribute to Frankie Knuckles is also planned, as The Frankie Knuckles Foundation will replay Frankie’s 2013/2014 NYE Albert Hall Manchester set, performed within the virtual Haçienda.
The Haçienda Twenty-Four Hour House Party NYE is being produced, and broadcast exclusively by United We Stream Greater Manchester.
United We Stream GM is free to watch, but viewers can donate via the website, with all income of the stream split 50% for the oneGM campaign, and 50% to charities chosen by The Haçienda – Save The Children, The Frankie Knuckles Foundation, and PeaceMeal in Ancoats.
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FAC51 The Haçienda x United We Stream GM
The oneGM campaign was launched by Andy Burnham – Mayor of Greater Manchester – to raise funds and provide local support to the people hardest hit by the economic impact of COVID-19 in Greater Manchester.
From food poverty, to supporting those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, to providing mental health support, oneGM will deliver funding to organisations working hard to minimise the impact of this global crisis right within all local neighbourhoods.
During the first UK lockdown, United We Stream GM was watched by over seven million people and the acclaimed project ran for 12 weeks, amassing donations of nearly half a million pounds for 12 different local charities, with some 40 fundraising events broadcast live on the platform.
Speaking on the New Yearsacha Lord – Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester, founder of Warehouse Project and Parklife, and Executive Producer of United We Stream GM – said: “A few weeks ago, I promised that Greater Manchester would hold the biggest New Year’s Eve event, not just in the UK, but probably across Europe.
“During the initial 10 week United We Stream run, the most viewed events were the two Haçienda productions [and] we always strive to better ourselves, so we are back, with not only a bigger line up, spanning artists across the globe, but also running for 24 hours.
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“We are the 24-Hour Party People.
“Nothing will stop us from doing what we do best, and at the same time, raising many funds for those in need. The last time I did 24 hours solidly, was quite a few years ago…but I’m prepared to give it another bash”.
FAC51 The Haçienda x United We Stream GM
Peter Hook added: “The Haçienda was all about the people from day one.
“This has been a terrible year and my two highlights were our gigs on United We Stream Greater Manchester. For the simple reason that it helped bring people together, entertained so many when we needed it most for some great causes.”
“We’ve been watching the awful turn of events over the past year and realised it was time to round this year off in positive way and bring everyone together again for a great big party.
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“This is only way we know how and let’s rave safe in 2021 – from Manchester with love”.
Frederick Dunson – spokesperson for The Frankie Knuckles Foundation – said: “The Frankie Knuckles Foundation is extremely excited and proud to be participating in The Haçienda’s 24 Hour New Year’s Eve event with their special tribute honouring our beloved Frankie.
“He enjoyed his appearances at The Haçienda and for his legion of friends it will be reminiscent to hear him, and celebrate New Year’s Eve.”
“We are thankful to the great group of his DJ friends that are appearing in this historic event”.
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People around the world will be able to watch #HaçiendaNYE from 10am on 31st December 2020 – 10am on 1st January 2021 exclusively via the United We Stream GM website here, or official the official Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and YouTube accounts.
#UnitedWeStreamGM #HaciendaNYE #oneGM
What's On
The Oldham Man and The Sea: the documentary about the Latics owner’s record-breaking Atlantic voyage
Danny Jones
It doesn’t matter if you’re not an Athletic fan or native to the borough; we think everyone should go along to watch the much-anticipated documentary about football club owner Frank Rothwell and his record-breaking journey across the Atlantic Ocean: The Oldham Man And The Sea.
One of the simplest and most satisfying names for a film we’ve heard in a long time.
For anyone who doesn’t know about the Oldham Athletic FC chairman turned OBE’s incredible story, Frank Rothwell has set multiple records with his impressive sea-faring feats in recent times.
This new doc, which just premiered at this year’s Manchester Film Festival, charts his latest trip across one of the biggest bodies of water on the planet in March 2024.
As you can see from the recent trailer, it’s almost as arduous a tale as the original Hemingway story.
This movie – produced by Journeyman Pictures and Chief Productions – made its full debut at the Odeon in Great Northern Warehouse for MFF 2026, and is set to have a number of other screenings in and around Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and months.
One of those is happening rather soon, in fact, over at Saddleworth’s Millgate Arts Centre on Saturday, 28 March, which is ideal for those local to the region; grab your tickets now.
ln fact, there’s also one happening even closer to his hometown the following month, with Oldham’s very own Queen Elizabeth Hall also hosting a special screening of Rothwell’s incredible achievement.
You can reserve your seats for that one right HERE.
Having not only become the eldest (70) Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge finisher back in 2021, but now holding the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to ever complete the crossing while rowing solo at 73 years old, he’s become nothing short of a local hero – and that’s just his stewardship of the Latics…
The film does, obviously, touch on his time at the helm of the League Two side, who finally returned to the EFL last June, but the heart and soul of this inspiring watch is the sail itself.
More importantly, it also documents not just the gruelling nature of the 64-day, seven-hour and 53-minute trek, but also how Frank has now helped raise more than £1.4 million on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
What an absolute icon.
Hopefully, this should be just about all the reason you need to watch The Oldham Man And The Sea the very next opportunity you get to do so – and, of course, all proceeds from ticket sales will also be going to charity, because just the kind of bloke he is.
And here’s hoping we get a streaming version sometime soon.
MOBOs 2026 in Manchester – all the award winners and iconic performances
Thomas Melia
Manchester had its second major music award show visit of the year courtesy of the MOBOs, and here’s all the awards, winners and iconic performances from the night.
We knew 0161 was known for its impact on the music industry, but it’s recently become a place for music celebration on multiple occasions with the BRITs and, most recently, with the MOBOs.
As expected, this was a night full of A-listers, rising stars and incredible music makers, who all united for an award show dedicated to celebrating one aspect of the industry in particular – Music of Black Origin.
Created by Kanya King back in 1996, Manchester had the pleasure of hosting the MOBOs as the award show celebrated its 30-year anniversary right here at the 23,500 seater Co-op Live.
MOBOs 2026 – all the highlights from the night
Get ready to find out everything that happened during the MOBO Awards 2026, including the awards, winners and iconic performances.
All the awards and winners from MOBOs 2026 in Manchester
MOBO Global Songwriter Award – Pharrell Williams
MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award – Slick Rick
Album of the Year – The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean
Song of the Year – Olivia Dean, ‘Man I Need’
Best Male act – Jim Legxacy
Best Female act – Olivia Dean
Best Newcomer – DC3
Video of the Year – Raye, ‘Where Is My Husband!’
Best R&B/ Soul Act – Flo
Best Alternative Music Act – Nova Twins
Best Grime Act – Chip
Best Hip-Hop act – Central Cee
Best Drill Act – Twin S
Best International Act – Ayra Starr
Best African Music Act – Wizkid
Best Caribbean Music Act – Vybz Kartel
Best Jazz Act – Ezra Collective
Best Electronic/ Dance Act – Sherelle
Best Gospel Act – DC3
Best Media Personality – Niko Omilana
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Best Producer – P2J
Pharrell Williams receiving his ‘MOBO Global Songwriter Award’ and Flo accepting the ‘Best R&B/ Soul Act’ / Credit: The Manc Group
Who performed at the MOBOs 2026 in Manchester at Co-op Live?
Flo opened the show with their iconic silhouettes, just like on their Access All Areas Tour, which we had the privilege of witnessing live at Manchester Academy last Autumn.
If you’re worried you’ve lost a backstage pass to all things Flo, think again. Their latest single continues the unrestricted theme with its aptly-fitting title ‘Leak It’, and they set standards high.
A variety of grime acts dominated the stage as curated by DJ Target with Chip, D Double E, Wiley, Nolay and Scorcher with staple hits like ‘Legend’, ‘Street Fighter Riddim’ and ‘Wot U Call It?’
Slick Rick treated Co-op Live and the MOBOs audience to a medley of hits like’Children’s Story’ and ‘Landlord’ while bringing out the wonderful Estelle to sing ‘Mona Lisa’ alongside the respected rapper.
Flo opened the show with a live debut of new single ‘Leak It’ / Credit: MOBO Organisation (supplied)
Folk-pop star Miles Smith had the crowd in the palm of his hand as they all sang ‘Stargazing’ in unison, almost as though it was their own performance. This singer-songwriter returns to Manchester and Co-op Live this winter.
When Tiwa Savage walked onto the stage, this Manchester indoor venue knew they were in the presence of royalty, the Queen of Afrobeats to be exact. She performed ‘You 4 Me’ and dropped a preview of her new hit ‘Energy’.
The multi-MOBO winner Olivia Dean showed off her vocal prowess with an exclusive live performance of ‘A Couple Minutes’ accompanied by a beautiful orchestra arrangement.
Ms Dean blew our minds with her ‘Man I Need’ performance at the BRITs just last month, and she can’t keep away from Manchester, returning to Co-op Live next month for ‘The Art of Loving Tour‘.
Credit: MOBO Organisation (supplied)
Moston’s own Aitch had the crowd going crazy with his The Stone Roses-sampling track ‘1989’ and one of his biggest hits to date, and Ashanti-sampling record ‘Baby’.
Dancehall diva Shenseea closed the night with not one but four of her cathartic bangers like ‘Hit & Run’, the empowering ‘Shenyeng Anthem’, UK Top 20 single ‘Shake It To The Max (Remix)’ and newest effort ‘Talk To Me Nuh’.
Which stars attended the MOBOs red carpet in Manchester?
Manchester is the music capital of the North, so it makes a lot of sense that some of music’s biggest names decided to pop over to this city for a visit.
Alongside all the nominees and performers, there was a whole host of acts in attendance from the music, film, TV and social media industries.
Everyone from former Little Mix member turned independent artist Leigh-Anne and Bemi Orojuogun, more widely recognised by her digital moniker ‘Bus Aunty’, strutted their stuff on the MOBOs red carpet.
Audio North had the incredible opportunity of chatting with a whole host of talented artists and creatives straight from the red carpet, including shaking hands with legendary multi-hyphenate Nile Rodgers.
This was a truly beautiful night which celebrated the contributions and impact made within the music industry across the past 12 months and beyond, soundtracked by some class live performances.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd December 2020 
