Liam Gallagher to join Greater Manchester residents in mass doorstep singalong

A host of top music stars will introduce live renditions of their songs by local residents for a mass doorstep singalong which aims to unite people from across Greater Manchester.

Liam Gallagher, Mark Owen of Take That, James’ Tim Booth, Emeli Sande, Mike Pickering from M People, Tom Walker, Denise Johnson, Liam Fray from The Courteeners and Manchester’s newest star Aitch, will all be appearing on screen for Together In One Voice on Thursday 28th May at 7.30 pm.

They will be inviting people to sing along from their doorsteps, windows, balconies and streets and will introduce the set list of songs via a live stream alongside other well-known Manchester faces from the world of entertainment.

20 different community choirs and around 30 musicians from across the region have all spent the last few weeks recording themselves playing their instruments and singing their parts in isolation in their own homes.

Each individual vocal and musical part was then sent to musical director Dan McDwyer and his team of sound engineers for mixing into stunning live versions of the songs that everyone will sing along to during the event.

Together In One Voice playlist

Take That: Shine
Martha and the Vandellas: Dancing In The Streets
Emeli Sande: You Are Not Alone
Tom Walker: Leave A Light On
James: Sit Down
M People: Search for the Hero
Oasis: Wonderwall

The songs will be streamed for people to join in with via MIF LIVE – Manchester International Festival’s online channel – alongside introductions and contributions from the artists.

“It’s been a huge task recording choirs and 30 musicians including rhythm, horns, and strings, plus coordinating sound engineers and mixing vocals from around 20 different choirs – all recording from their own homes safely within social distancing,” said Dan.

“But what a moment it’s going to be when those choirs, all singing in their bedrooms, are amplified by thousands of voices across Greater Manchester.”

The doorstep singalong will be captured on the night by drones, street cameras and residents’ own films which will be edited together along with interviews with artists and participants to produce an extended broadcast which will be transmitted on Sunday 31st May at 6pm (also on MIF Live).

Residents are invited to send videos of their own doorstep or window singalong from the night to togethermcr.com for possible inclusion in the YouTube broadcast.

“Lockdown has been taking a toll on us all but this is a night that will give everyone a real lift,” said Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

“It’s a moment to celebrate the strength of our communities and what people have done to help each in these difficult times. Together In One Voice will help us all feel connected, despite the need to keep a distance, and will be one of those incredible occasions which make Greater Manchester so special”.