An all-star DJ Battle between Liverpool and Manchester has raised over £20,000 to help tackle homelessness.
Stars including Craig Charles, Jamie Webster and John Barnes as well as members of Blossoms played tracks in front of more than 900 people at the Baltic’s Camp and Furnace.
Singer Jamie Webster said: “Who doesn’t love a home crowd? It was fantastic to see everyone enjoying themselves, especially when it’s raising money to tackle homelessness which is such an important cause.”
Singers Rebecca Ferguson and Peter Hooton, as well as world champion boxer Natasha Jones, represented Liverpool, while M People’s Heather Small, actress Sally Lindsay, BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake, Olympian Diane Modahl and presenter Matt White battled for Manchester.
Sally Lindsay said: “Homelessness is a growing issue, and a hidden one. It’s not just about rough sleeping as there are many people sofa surfing with friends or family who are still homeless.
“I hope the DJ Battle raises awareness as well as funds to help people move forward.”
Steve Rotheram, mayor of Liverpool City Region, and Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, set up the event as a creative effort to help tackle the increasing number of those sleeping rough across the region.
We know this money isn’t a magic wand
Steve Rotheram said: “We’ve been blown away by people’s generosity and those donations will help to make a massive difference to those special organisations who are helping some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“We know this money isn’t a magic wand, however, this is as much about raising awareness of the wonderful work they do day-in-day-out. It shows what can be achieved when two of the North’s great cities come together for a good cause.”
Money raised will be distributed across the Liverpool City Region to charities and community groups by Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside. Community Foundations are then to reach charities in their local communities to ensure the donations make a lasting change.
Andy Burnham added: “It was great to take on Steve and team Liverpool in their own backyard and put on an incredible show.
“To see around 1,000 revellers in the crowd, who have all helped to raise money to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in both of our city regions, was beyond belief.”
Steve Rotheram has established the pilot programme Housing First which has supported hundreds of locals experiencing the most entrenched homelessness into a home of their own, and 90% of tenants have sustained their tenancy thanks to the pioneering approach of the scheme.
Additionally, Assertive Outreach Service has supported hundreds of people who were homeless or at risk, in finding temporary accommodation and support.
Fran Darlington-Pollock, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, said: “The energy and the atmosphere in the room was electric and it was fantastic to see so many people come together to help others.
“Few people can resist the friendly rivalry between the two city regions and last night was no exception with an amazing night of music and banter. We so appreciate the time and effort that everyone put in at no cost so the charities could benefit at the highest level so thank you!”
The crowned winner of this year’s DJ Battle is due to be announced on social media in the coming days.
You can still donate here
Featured image via liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk
