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This Manchester label has teamed up with Manchester Mind to raise money and mental health awareness

Manchester record label and promotor Animal Crossing announce a mental health campaign collab with Manchester Mind.

Hannah Starkie Hannah Starkie - 26th November 2020

Animal Crossing Music has partnered with Manchester Mind for a special fundraising livestream this weekend. 

Best known for unique house, minimal sound and groove-fuelled parties, the local label is partnering with one of the city’s leading mental health charities to raise funds at a time when mental health has never been so important.

According to ONS figures, more than 42 per cent of people said their mental health has suffered during the pandemic.

Off the back of yet another lockdown, there are concerns these figures may not improve. 

So, with the damaging impacts that lockdown has had on people’s wellbeing, it’s vital that charities like Mind can continue to provide the support they do. 

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Whilst we’re getting more and more reminders to check up on our loved ones throughout the pandemic, the Animal Crossing team are encouraging us to take a minute to think about others, too. 

With their livestream at the weekend, the boys hope to raise some cash and awareness whilst having a lil’ boogie at the same time.  

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The Animal Crossing crew will be joined by Michael James, Motus DJs and You&Me’s Josh Baker for 12 hours of vibes, direct from their brand-new never-before-seen venue The Loft.

To mark the occasion, they’ve also launched a limited-edition fundraiser t-shirt featuring those iconic Animal Crossing graphics.

The design highlights the idea that people may be struggling behind the smile they might put on.

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All profits will be donated to Mind – and you can grab one here. 

Animal Crossing’s Olli Ryder said: “The question is: ‘how are you today?’

“A message to friends and family that is too often forgotten, yet the current impact has more meaning than you can ever appreciate.

“A spare moment from your day can change someone else’s for the better.”

Catch the main event on Saturday 28 November from 12pm – 12am over on the Animal Crossing Facebook and YouTube channels.

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You can make a donation here.

Most of all, don’t forget to ask: ‘How are you today?’

Audio

Rowetta has left Happy Mondays after 34 years

Danny Jones Danny Jones Rowetta leaves Happy Mondays after three decades

It’s a sad day for Madchester fans everywhere as Manc-born and bred musician Rowetta has officially left Happy Mondays after 34 long years.

Rowetta, born Rowetta Idah, hails from Crumpsall and remains one of Greater Manchester’s most well-known singers and all-round cultural figures.

The 58-year-old has recorded and performed with the electronic and indie dance icons since 1990 and rejoined the original lineup for a reunion back in 2012 and has remained part of the touring band ever since, but it now looks as though their long-running partnership has come to an end.

Confirming the news via an official announcement on Monday, 23 December, they wrote: “Happy Mondays and Rowetta announce that Rowetta will no longer be performing with the band.

The statement goes on to read: “Happy Mondays thank Rowetta for her services and wish her the best for the future.” Many have questioned the circumstances given the brevity of the post.

Best known for her powerful voice on the likes of ‘Step On’, ‘Kinky Afro’ and several other hits, but her association with the group has been on and off over the years amid their various splits/hiatuses.

As well as a solo career which saw her songs sampled by the likes of Swedish House Mafia and Black Eyes Peas, Rowetta also featured on the very first series of the X-Factor back in 2004 and has lent her vocals on various different projects over the years.

For instance, she was also a featured artist on Shed Seven’s 2023 single, ‘In Ecstasy, joining them on stage for live renditions as recently as August of this year, when they supported Blossoms at their massive Wythenshawe Park show.

She also delighted crowds at Kendal Calling last summer, with many online arguing that she’s been “carrying the show” of late.

@the.manc They definitely still have it #happymondays #manchester ♬ original sound – The Manc

Rowetta herself has issued an official personal response other than sharing the same statement confirming that they have parted ways, leaving many wondering what may have gone on behind the scenes.

The comments underneath both individual posts are also turned off – make of that what you will.

To have spent over three and a half decades on and off with one of the North’s best-loved bands and to then share only a couple of lines, does admittedly raise an eyebrow.

Not only were followers understandably surprised to hear of the news but even if the Happy Mondays and/or Rowetta aren’t making their feelings known on the matter, it hasn’t stopped plenty of others getting emotional on their behalf.

One person wrote on X: “Many Mondays gigs in recent years it has been Rowetta who has kept things going on stage. But, it’s been great to see her singing with Shed Seven this year, and really showcasing her talents on the albums and on stage. Onwards and upwards.”

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For many, it’s a case of “the Happy Mondays without Rowetta just doesn’t work” and it’s clear the relationship with their fans and the energy at live shows won’t be the same without her.

Only time will tell whether or not a particular flash-point caused this split or if they collectively just decided to call it a day.

Either way, we loved listening to you, Ro – we hope to hear you on plenty of other stuff in the meantime.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Man Alive! (via Flickr)/The Warehouse Project (supplied)

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The UK’s much-loved ‘day rave’ with Vicky and Jon McClure returns to Manchester for New Year’s Eve

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

One of the UK’s most popular new club events and pioneering ‘day rave’ is returning to Manchester this New Year’s, featuring founders Jon and Vicky McClure, as well as some very special guests.

The Line of Duty star and Reverend and the Makers frontman started the parent-friendly event back in January of this year as an alternative day out for those looking to have a party and still manage an early bedtime. Since then it’s gone on to become a real phenomenon and is only getting bigger.

With Vicky swapping UK dramas and crime thrillers for the discotheque and ‘Big Jon’ switching lanes from his usual rock, indie and alternative roots to favour timeless dance tracks to still get people up on their feet, Day Fever has gone down a storm all over the country.

With their first year coming towards a close, they now look set for arguably their biggest day rave to date as Day Fever will be hosting a special New Year’s Eve for their final hurrah of 2024 right here in Manchester city centre – and no, you don’t need to be able to stay up until midnight.

The two McClures – unrelated, by the way, they just share a name and a fantastic taste in music – and the rest of their crew will be partying between 3-8pm for a much more tame and friendlier night (day) out, commanding the decks alongside some other special guests.

Not only does this alternative way to party promise a more responsible curfew, meaning clubbers don’t have to worry about missing the last train home but it’s also geared towards over 30s whilst still being super inclusive.

This day-time clubbing event is designed to reminisce on the old days and all those dance-filled memories of evenings spent out on the tiles, just minus the late-night finish – and hopefully the hangover but that’s down to you really, isn’t it?

In their words: ‘There’s no dress code, no egos—just pure positivity’; there’s nothing we love to hear more than the sweet relief of not having to get dolled up for a big night when we just can’t be bothered.

With New Century Hall hosting the Day Fever once again for their first-ever NYE party here in Manchester, along with two other events being held simultaneously in Edinburgh and Birmingham, you can get all your partying done way with plenty of time to get cosy in bed before the calendar turns over.

Just in time to watch Jools Holland’s famous Annual Hootenanny, as they put it.

Jon McClure and Vicky’s co-star, Martin Compston
Vicky McClure leading the dance routines

This is guaranteed to be an evening to remember for everyone in attendance, especially when you’re joined by stars of stage and screen who will be powering you through with some proper dance bangers as they have done all year long.

The New Year’s Eve party isn’t just the last dance of the year either, it’s also effectively the prequel to next year’s raft of shows as Day Fever has already announced more than a dozen big dates in January and February.

This batch of 2025 dates sees the gang taking on lots of other cities, including North West neighbours Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Hull over in Yorkshire, two Newcastle shows and plenty more.

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So, if you’re feeling those clubbing blues, that pesky seasonal affective disorder or just still not booked up for NYE 2024, why not make the most of this day-time opportunity?

Tickets for both the New Year’s Eve and the rest of their 2025 events are available on the official Day Fever website HERE.

Oh yeah, and help get Rev to Christmas number one – it’s for a good cause and they deserve it!

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Publicity Picture via Supplied

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