Let us entertain you!
UNITED WE STREAM NIGHTLY PROGRAMME UNDERWAY
UNITED We Stream has launched – the new free streaming service that will broadcast Greater Manchester’s nightlife to the world.
The nightly programme of live music and entertainment continues tonight with a set from Radio XS DJ and Hula resident Gareth Brooks.
The series of free performances is every night from 7pm.
Other acts confirmed for the coming days include Manchester-based indie band Slow Readers Club, a live cooking show and Q&A with restaurateur and chef Gary Usher, poetry readings with Lemn Sissay and Tony Walsh, and a special acoustic set with Twisted Wheel front man Jonny Brown.
There’ll also be performances by comedian Justin Moorhouse, appearances from actresses Faye Brookes and Catherine Tyldesley, disco and house music sessions with DJ Paulette, an official Hacienda night, a Madchester classics night, and DJ Elliot Eastwick’s Big Pub Quiz.
Performances will take place at artist’s homes, gardens, or from selected host venues around the region, making sure all performances adhere to government advice around isolating, distancing and infection control.
Viewers don’t have to pay to tune in but will be able to make donations if they wish by buying a ‘virtual ticket.’
Money raised will be split between a relief fund supporting the region’s night time economy, which has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak and the resultant closure of venues, and local charities.
Modelled on a scheme in Berlin, it’s being brought to Manchester by night time economy adviser Sacha Lord and Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) culture team.
Sacha said: “This is a free streaming service, available to entertain everyone, however, I encourage as many of you as possible to please make a small contribution to watch. Anything will help, whether that’s £1 or £50. It’s only by working together as a community that we can be at our strongest.”
The initiative has raised more than £700,000 in Berlin, where it was pioneered by the city’s own night tsar Lutz Leichsenring.
The United We Stream model is also expected to be rolled out to Amsterdam, Madrid, Vienna, Sydney and Melbourne soon.
In Greater Manchester, 70 per cent of the funds generated by the stream will go to support music venues, restaurants, bars, and freelancers and cultural organisations who are unable to work or operate their businesses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A further 8pc of funds will be donated to Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Charity, with the remaining 22pc going to the Mayor Of Greater Manchester’s Charity.
The M.E.N. and CityLife are proud to be official media partners of the event, which is also supported by local businesses including the Industry Collaboration Zones digital team at Salford University, Manchester Arena, Unity Radio, dbn Audile and Modern English Digital.