Get discounted tickets for one of Manchester’s biggest charity balls celebrating northern art and raising funds for those in need

Mancunians don’t need telling how important music can be. The city is the birthplace of acts from Joy Division and The Smiths to The Stone Roses, James and Oasis. Music is in our blood. There’s no question it can have a profound effect on people’s lives.

Nordoff Robbins is the largest independent music charity in the UK, dedicated to changing the lives of isolated and vulnerable people through the power of music.

In the hands of a trained practitioner, music therapy can be used to support people living with a wide range of needs. It can help a child with autism to communicate, unlock forgotten memories for those living with dementia, or provide comfort for someone facing a terminal illness.

Last year, the charity helped 7,916 people, delivering nearly 30,000 music therapy sessions in 151 different partnership settings across the UK.

One of the largest charity balls in Manchester, The Good Estate Agency Charity Art Ball is an annual event that raises vital funds for Nordoff Robbins’ life-changing music therapy.

So far, The Good Estate Agency has raised £32,750 for this charity, which equates to 655 music therapy lessons to those with life-limiting illnesses, physical disabilities or emotional challenges. But they’d like to raise more – and you can help.

Now in its fourth year, the The GEA Charity Art Ball is coming to the glamorous five-star Lowry Hotel this month – and you can be part of it.

Attracting 300 guests from the world of art, music, television, radio, sport and business, the ball features entertainment from Manchester’s very own Alexander Stewart and eight-piece band Beat Syndicate, the 50-piece Rock Choir – the world’s largest contemporary choir – and a DJ set by XS Manchester’s Clint Boon.

There’s also an exhibition featuring some of Manchester’s finest artists, a charity auction and raffle, a display of Aston Martin cars, and a casino by Manchester 235. Plus guests will be treated to a welcome drink and slap-up three-course meal, too.

“As a father of an eight-year-old girl who loves music I can see from her what difference music makes to her life,” says the host of this year’s ball, BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins.

“Music therapy can better the lives of children and adults. I can’t stress enough how much music is a part of my life. From the moment we are born it affects our moods and the way you feel! Music makes a difference.”

Elbow’s One Day Like This as a song that has had a lasting impact on him.

“My daughter Sienna was born very premature in 2009,” he says. “She was in the hospital for weeks and when we finally brought her home, I asked my wife to wait in the car with her whilst I ran into the house.

“I put this song on so our miracle baby could come into our home for the first time with this song playing in the background.

“Working on radio, I know of Nordoff Robbin’s vitally important music therapy and have previously been to their Pop Quiz, so it was a no-brainer to be involved,” says Chris.

“The event raises an incredible amount for Nordoff Robbins in the north west and it is a terrific evening that celebrates local artists work and musicians. The event champions art in the name of fun.”

A fun night with great music, for a thoroughly worthwhile cause. What could be more Manchester than that?

The GEA Charity Art Ball takes place on Friday 16th November at The Lowry Hotel from 6pm-1am. Tickets are usually £65 but I Love Manchester readers can buy tickets for the special price of £55 by clicking the button below and using the discount code ILOVEMCR10.

Tickets