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Massive dinner party with Andy Burnham announced to raise money to tackle homelessness

Dinner, live music, and Andy Burnham at New Century.

Daisy Jackson - 14th April 2023

A huge charity dinner has been announced this week, taking over New Century to raise funds for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, with a live Q&A with Andy Burnham himself.

Guests will tuck in to food from the venue’s mix of independent traders, and enjoy live music on Wednesday 26 April.

This inaugural charity dinner, hosted by Matt White, will raise money to help tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in the region.

All proceeds from An Evening with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity will go to supporting A Bed Every Night. The flagship scheme aims to provide a bed (and wraparound support) for anyone rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping, in Greater Manchester.

Previous events have raised more than £45,000 for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. These have included a solo charity gig from Courteeners frontman Liam Fray, and a DJ Battle between Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram – which famously featured a special appearance from Angela Rayner.

A Bed Every Night was launched by Andy in 2018 – since then, it’s helped more than 4000 people, providing emergency accommodation for anyone rough sleeping across the city-region, regardless of status.

In January 2023, there were on average 582 people in A Bed Every Night accommodation across Greater Manchester.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said of the dinner event: “As patron of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, I’m looking forward to an evening of food and entertainment at New Century raising vital funds to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in our city-region.

“We are coming out of what has been a really challenging winter. We’ve seen the numbers of people rough sleeping edge upwards, and increased pressure on all our services. But together, we can make a difference.

“Join us for another great fundraiser and let’s show the world that in Greater Manchester, we don’t walk on by.”

Tim Heatley, chair of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said: “Hot on the heels of the incredible gig from Liam Fray, we are excited to bring to the people of Greater Manchester another great evening of entertainment raising funds for a vital cause.

“The cost of living continues to hit people hard, and we’re seeing a widening cohort of people at risk of experiencing homelessness. It is more important than ever that we unite to prevent homelessness, and support those who might otherwise face a night on the streets. We look forward to welcoming Greater Manchester on the night!”

Jemma Scott, director of Spaces & Stories said: “As a location and event provider with a difference, Spaces & Stories is delighted that New Century will be the backdrop to this immensely important initiative to raise funds for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and make a real difference for people at risk or currently experiencing rough sleeping or homelessness.”

Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite.

Featured image: Supplied