Forever Manchester, the charity that works with local communities to encourage fundraising activities and inspiring projects to make their neighbourhoods happier and safer places, held its annual birthday bash at The Principal Manchester on Friday.
The event raised a whopping 70K to be reinvested into communities across Greater Manchester.
Hosted by actor and writer Barrie English and Captain Manchester, the party also featured entertainment from four community groups who are part of the Forever Manchester movement: Cheetham Hill’s Greater Manchester Community Pipe Band, Salford Malayalee, Chorlton Ladies Choir and Xpress Urself from Bolton.
During the evening, the audience of over 400 supporters was treated to a screening of a short film that Forever Manchester has produced to reflect the work it does in the communities.
The film’s soundtrack is The Courteeners Take Over the World and its aim is to project the message of how Forever Manchester continues to help local people do extraordinary things throughout Greater Manchester.
“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be happy,” said Forever Manchester CEO Nick Massey.
“We believe in putting smiles on the faces of our local communities and championing local people doing extraordinary things together. This film gets the message across as to what Forever Manchester is all about.”
A number of awards were presented in recognition of continued support to the charity, including a special award given to designer Trevor Johnson, famous for his Factory Records branding, for embodying the spirit of Forever Manchester through his relentless dedication and giving his time, money, skills and resources to support communities.
Following a live auction, entertainment included a set from Denise Johnson including a rendition of Oasis’ Live Forever and – to round off the night – DJ Dave Haslam played some classic tunes to get everyone on the dancefloor.
The money raised for Forever Manchester is used to fund and support over 1,000 community projects in Greater Manchester.